GrapheneOS, the privacy-focused Android fork known for its exclusive support of Google Pixel phones, is about to expand its reach. The project has confirmed it's working with a major Android smartphone manufacturer to bring its secure operating system to future flagship phones, as first spotted by PiunikaWeb. This move could potentially end Google's exclusivity over the project by 2026 or 2027. The partnership, which has been in the works since June 2025, aims to enable official support for future versions of the manufacturer's existing models, using flagship Snapdragon chips. This marks a significant shift from Google's in-house Tensor processors. The project's strict security and update requirements have been met by only Pixel phones so far, but the new partnership suggests that another OEM is finally matching those standards. The mysterious partner's devices will reportedly be priced similarly to Pixels and available globally as part of the brand's standard lineup. While the name of the new partner remains undisclosed, speculation points to Nothing, a brand that allows bootloader unlocking, a prerequisite for installing GrapheneOS. However, Nothing doesn't qualify as a 'major Android OEM' at the moment. The announcement comes after GrapheneOS publicly criticized Google's extended security patch timelines, arguing that Google leaves vulnerabilities exposed for months. Working with a brand that grants earlier patch access could allow GrapheneOS to maintain its high security standards independent of Google. For Pixel owners, nothing changes at least for now. The OS will continue to support existing devices until their end-of-life. GrapheneOS support is also coming for Pixel 10, but the project is still considering whether or not to add support for Pixel 11.
