Google has released the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update for eligible Pixel phones. While there’s nothing immediately obvious new with the build, it’s rolling out with a package weighing over 2 GB. But if you take a deep dive into the settings, you’ll notice a bump in the kernel version to 6.1.99. This change isn’t just for show — it’s a big move by Google to make its devices more secure, streamlined, and ready for future Android updates.
Along with the kernel upgrade, Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 also marks the debut of Google’s new Linux Terminal app on Pixel devices. This Terminal app allows developers to run Linux apps in a virtual machine directly on their devices, something previously thought to be slated for Android 16. To activate the Terminal, users just need to toggle a new developer setting under “Linux development environment,” which, once enabled, adds the Terminal app to your app list. Although it’s currently still in beta and prone to some hiccups, this new feature opens up exciting possibilities for developers who want to test and run Linux applications on Android. The app utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), letting it launch Debian-based Linux environments in a virtual machine — similar to what Chrome OS can do.
This kernel upgrade is also a move to streamline device maintenance across Pixel models. Previously, each Tensor-powered Pixel ran on different kernel versions, with the Pixel 6 series on Linux 5.10 and the Pixel 8 on Linux 5.15. Now, all Pixels from the Pixel 6 onward will be unified under Linux 6.1, making it easier for Google to push updates and maintain consistency across its devices. The kernel update, along with the Terminal app, is available as part of this beta release, and Pixel users can look forward to the stable rollout with the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop.
As for getting the update, joining the Android Beta Program for Pixel is the simplest way, enabling you to download the beta over the air (OTA). More technically inclined users can also sideload the update if they prefer. While the new Terminal app and kernel upgrades make Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 an exciting release for developers and enthusiasts alike, casual users may want to hold out for the stable version this spring to avoid any early beta bugs.
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