Android’s Linux Terminal app is taking a significant leap forward with its latest Canary build, allowing users to run full graphical Linux applications. Initially limited to command line usage, the Terminal app, introduced earlier this year, has evolved to support a graphical environment that can launch desktop applications not typically available on Android.
In this new version, you can access a "Display" button that sets up a graphical interface. This upgrade means that users can run more complex Linux software, including applications like Gedit, a basic text editor. The Terminal utilizes Debian in a virtual machine, expanding its capabilities beyond mere command line operations.
Previously, testing graphical features required compiling Android from source, but with the July 2025 Canary build, users can easily open graphical apps by typing the ‘weston’ command after launching the environment. Weston serves as a Wayland compositor, facilitating modern display server protocols.
While hardware acceleration isn’t enabled by default, users can activate it by creating a specific file in the Terminal’s directory. Once enabled, this functionality could vastly enhance performance and broaden the types of Linux software that can be used on Android devices.
This development marks a potential shift in the integration of Android and Chrome OS, a vision Google is pursuing to streamline both platforms. Though it’s unclear when this feature will transition to Beta or Stable builds, there is anticipation that it could roll out with Android 16’s second quarterly update in December.
For further exploration of Android’s Linux capabilities and to keep updates on the feature’s rollout, you can visit the following links:
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