Where is AVF / Linux Terminal on Galaxy S23 Ultra (Android 16 / One UI 8)?

[RaspberryPI5]

Very disapointed! 

Device(s): Two Galaxy S23 Ultra SM-S918B/DS (EU), both 1TB
Software: Android 16 / One UI 8 (latest update installed)

I’m a long-time Samsung customer and I’m deeply disappointed.

For months, public briefings and coverage suggested AVF (Android Virtualization Framework) would be activated on Samsung—similar to what Pixel users have had on Android 16. After upgrading, there is no Linux Terminal / AVF VM on either of my S23 Ultra devices. I paid €3,000 for these two phones and now discover the flagship doesn’t deliver a feature that is central to my workflow.

This is not a hobby feature: I need the Linux Terminal VM for cloud management in my startup. Telling users to “just use Termux” is not an answer when Android 16’s AVF Linux Terminal is the point.

Samsung, please answer clearly—no marketing, no deflection:

1. Will AVF + the Android 16 Linux Terminal be enabled on the S23 series (SM-S918B/DS)? Yes or No.

2. If Yes: give a timeline / build (QPR/firmware) and any prerequisites.

3. If No: state it openly and explain the policy (Knox/virtualization stance).

4. Root/Bootloader: Is rooting/BL unlock on One UI 8 effectively blocked, making any workaround impossible? Provide an official stance.

Even more frustrating: there’s been no official statement addressing this serious issue.
Please post a pinned, official update with a concrete plan—or a definitive “not supported.”

I want to stay with Samsung. Right now, you’re making that very hard.

Need this functionality for my StartUp company - being underway without PC for Cloud Management tasks. I have even purchased 2 (two!)  Galaxy S23 Ultra (1 TB mem) for mor than 3.000€  ... now being totally frustrated!

[zonaicat]

Yeah i felt very disapointed i couldnt use the linux terminal on my s23

[emersonbusson1]

i have a s24 ultra 512gb, with this goal in mind, but samsung made the same mistake. 

[RemusOptimus]

S23 Ultra as well. I really hope Samsung isn't going to make me vote with my feet for my next phone 😞

[ArgaKhan]

I'm using Samsung s22 ultra. I have the same problem. 

[sssnake]

I can search for it and it shows up, but wont let toggle it and it doesn't show up in the dev options menu if i search for it manually. Im on latest Samsung android 16. Kinda bummed it doesn't work. All the changes (for the worse) that Samsung is making to their phones and One UI just made me order a pixel

[VictorWads]

Just want to cry... I'm waiting for this since Android 15 Release VMs in some devices.

S23Ultra 512gb here. 

My dream is to use docker on phone to make my work life easier 

[colourspec]

S24 here, I was able to manually search for it and enable it but running Terminal app fails anyways.

"Non-protected VMs are not supported on this device"

 

[AleD219]

s25+ here, latest OneUI 8.0 stable with android 16, same problem: i can activate linux terminal from developer settings but installation fails with the error reported by @colourspec . Other devices with the same SoC (for example OP13) has the feature active and functioning. i'm thinking to return the phone.

[colourspec]

Is it? I've read bunch of posts about Qualcomm SOC being the issue.

For example OnePlus update doesn't bring it: https://www.androidauthority.com/oxygenos-16-features-3607625/

Qualcomm itself is being a **bleep** saying there isn't market demand https://www.androidauthority.com/snapdragon-chips-android-linux-terminal-3608648/