Android 16’s Linux Terminal Now Capable of Running Graphical Applications

Google is advancing Android 16’s Linux Terminal, enabling it to run graphical Linux applications, including the classic game Doom. This development is facilitated by enhancements such as hardware acceleration support and the integration of a display server. Although these features are not yet available in the current Android 16 beta, they are anticipated in future releases.

The Linux Terminal application is designed to download, configure, run, and interface with an instance of the Debian distribution operating within a virtual machine. It leverages the Android Virtualization Framework , a set of APIs that allow an Android host device to run other operating systems through virtualization. AVF is compatible with a variety of devices from multiple manufacturers, with the notable exception of Samsung.

Initially introduced in the Android 15 QPR2 beta as a developer option, the Terminal app remains accessible through developer settings. Since its debut, Google has implemented several updates, including fixes to the installation process and the addition of a settings menu that allows users to resize the disk, forward ports, and back up the installation. The most significant forthcoming changes involve adding hardware acceleration support and establishing a comprehensive graphical environment.

By compiling a build of the Android Open Source Project with these forthcoming features, it is possible to test the enhanced capabilities of the Android Linux Terminal app ahead of a public release. For instance, on a Pixel 9 Pro, users can access a new “Display” activity, initiate a graphical environment using the ‘weston’ command—a reference implementation of a Wayland compositor—and enable hardware acceleration. This setup has successfully run Chocolate Doom, a source port of the original Doom game. The game operates smoothly, though without audio, as an audio server is not yet available—a feature still under development by Google.