Edgar Cervantes from Android Authority reports that the Android Common Kernel is removing support for the RISC-V architecture. Google’s Android Common Kernel is a modified version of the Linux kernel with Android-specific features. RISC-V is a popular open-source architecture gaining traction in the hardware industry, and Google has been working on integrating support for it in Android. Google initially announced plans to enable RISC-V support in Android in early 2023. RISC-V is favored by hardware manufacturers as no licensing fee is required to produce RISC-V chips. While some Android devices already use RISC-V chipsets, they typically function as co-processors alongside an Arm-based main processor rather than running Android. Qualcomm recently announced plans to develop a RISC-V-based wearable chipset for Google’s Wear OS platform. This would mark the first commercial RISC-V hardware running a Google-certified Android build. Despite progress made by Google in enhancing RISC-V support for Android, further engineering efforts are needed to achieve this goal. Google is actively working on RISC-V support, as evident by recent patches submitted to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The patches remove support for RISC-V in the Android Common Kernel (ACK). While it may seem like RISC-V support in Android is being discontinued, a Google spokesperson clarified that Android will continue to support RISC-V. However, the removal of RISC-V support in the Android Generic Kernel Image (GKI) indicates that more work is required before Android is fully ready for RISC-V hardware. Google’s decision suggests that certified Android devices running on RISC-V chips may face delays. For tips or news, contact Android Authority at news@androidauthority.com.
Major setback for RISC-V support in Android
