Google is developing a native Linux terminal app for Android devices

Google is advancing efforts to officially support Debian Linux on Android devices through a new terminal app. Traditionally, running Linux apps on Android required unofficial methods with limitations, but Google's development of this terminal app marks a shift towards official support. This app is part of the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) and includes a WebView that connects to a Linux virtual machine via a local IP address, allowing users to execute Linux commands directly from the Android host.

Recent submissions to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) under the ferrochrome-dev-option tag introduce a developer option for a Linux terminal in the settings menu. Activating this option enables a Terminal app that operates within the virtual machine. This app aims to be comprehensive, handling the download, configuration, execution, and interaction with a Debian instance in a virtual machine.

Google is still working on refining both the terminal app and AVF before this feature is officially released. This development is part of broader efforts to enhance Linux support on Android.