Grapheneos to power motorola devices, leaving pixel exclusivity

Motorola has announced a partnership with GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused Android operating system, marking a significant departure from its exclusivity on Google Pixel smartphones. The news was confirmed at the ongoing MWC 2026 event.

Motorola phones to feature grapheneos

GrapheneOS has long been a favorite among Android enthusiasts seeking enhanced security and privacy. Initially launched as a custom OS for Pixel devices only, the tech giant has now expanded its reach by partnering with Motorola. This move will allow users of Motorola smartphones to enjoy the robust security features of GrapheneOS, offering a more private mobile experience.

Why only motorola?

GrapheneOS officials have explained that the primary reason for the Motorola collaboration lies in the Android OEM's compliance with the OS's requirements. Motorola's phones, featuring Qualcomm processors and relatively open bootloader policies, make them an ideal choice for GrapheneOS integration. In contrast, other major Android brands like Samsung and Huawei do not meet the necessary criteria due to their restrictive security models and bootloader policies.

When to expect grapheneos on motorola devices?

While the exact Motorola model that will debut with GrapheneOS pre-installed remains undisclosed, officials have hinted at a 2027 launch. The initial plan was for a 2026 release, but hardware requirements weren't fully met by Motorola at that time, leading to a delay. Despite the wait, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience GrapheneOS's impressive features firsthand, particularly the hardware kill switch, private screenshots, and sandboxed Google Play services.