GrapheneOS expands to Motorola: Foldables, seven-year updates, and Pixel 11 support

A new home for GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS, the security-focused version of Android that strips out Google services, has long been tied to Google's Pixel phones. That is about to change. The project has confirmed plans to bring official support to Motorola devices, starting with a traditional flagship in 2027 and later expanding to Motorola's Razr Fold and Razr Ultra foldables.

The move marks a major shift for GrapheneOS, which has relied on Pixel hardware for years because of its strong security features and timely updates. Now, Motorola will join that short list of officially supported brands.

For anyone looking to buy a phone that can run GrapheneOS out of the box, this opens up a new set of choices. The first Motorola models will be expensive flagships, priced above Google's Pixel lineup. But the promise of seven years of updates and a more open approach to driver support could make them a worthwhile investment for privacy-conscious users.

You can browse all current GrapheneOS-compatible devices in our phone directory.

Why Motorola and why now

What this means for GrapheneOS expands to Motorola

GrapheneOS has always required specific hardware security features, such as memory tagging (MTE) and a secure element for storing encryption keys. Current Motorola phones come close to meeting those requirements but lack mature support for these features. The next generation of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips, expected in 2027, will include the necessary hardware improvements.

Another key factor is software support. Motorola's new Signature series promises seven years of updates, which matches GrapheneOS's own commitment. For cheaper Motorola phones, like the Motorola Edge 2026 that only gets two major OS upgrades, the project says longer support is needed before those models can be added.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Motorola is doing a large portion of the work to port GrapheneOS to its devices. The company will provide firmware and drivers in the format GrapheneOS needs, and any problems can be addressed directly through Motorola and Qualcomm. This is a reversal from the Pixel experience, where changes to the Android Open Source Project have made newer Pixels harder to support.

Foldables: Razr Fold and Razr Ultra

GrapheneOS already supports Google's Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Adding Motorola's Razr Fold and Razr Ultra will bring a new form factor to the platform: the flip phone. The Razr Ultra's vertical folding design is meant for one-handed use when folded, while the tablet-style foldables are better for browsing and reading.

The 2026 versions of the Razr Fold and Razr Ultra are close to meeting GrapheneOS's requirements but still lack memory tagging and secure element integration. Those features will be added in the 2027 models, which will use Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon platform. So don't expect to install GrapheneOS on a current Razr phone — you will need to wait for next year's hardware.

If you are considering a foldable phone for GrapheneOS, you can compare the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with upcoming Motorola models using our phone comparison tool.

Pixel 11 series still on the roadmap

Despite the shift toward Motorola, GrapheneOS has not abandoned Google's hardware. The project confirmed that it still plans to support the Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. That means users who prefer Pixel phones will have at least one more generation of official GrapheneOS support.

However, the project noted that supporting newer Pixels has become more difficult due to changes in the Android Open Source Project. Motorola's approach, where the manufacturer does much of the porting work, is seen as a more sustainable model going forward.

For a detailed look at the current Pixel models that run GrapheneOS, see our Pixel 9 Pro specifications and review and Pixel 9 specifications and review.

What this means for buyers

If you value privacy and want to run a de-Googled Android, you now have a second hardware option beyond Pixel. The first Motorola GrapheneOS phones will arrive in 2027 and will be priced higher than comparable Pixels. They will also come with a seven-year update commitment, which is longer than what most Android phones offer.

For now, the supported models will be flagships. Cheaper Motorola phones, like the Moto G Stylus, will not be supported until they receive longer software commitments from Motorola and better security features from Qualcomm's lower-end chips.

If you are in the market for a phone that can run GrapheneOS, your best bet is to wait for the 2027 Motorola flagships or stick with a Pixel for now. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains a solid choice for those who want a foldable with official GrapheneOS support today. Check out our Pixel 9 Pro Fold specifications and review for more details.

Looking ahead: A broader ecosystem: GrapheneOS Motorola Foldables

GrapheneOS's expansion to Motorola is not just about one manufacturer. It signals that the project is serious about building a broader ecosystem of secure, privacy-respecting devices. By working directly with Motorola and Qualcomm, GrapheneOS can ensure that its operating system runs well on hardware that was designed with security in mind from the start.

The project also plans to host its own AOSP Git repositories, allowing it to push code when new Android versions arrive. This should make it easier to prepare releases ahead of major updates and have them ready at launch.

For now, the focus is on high-end hardware. But if the partnership succeeds, we could eventually see GrapheneOS on more affordable Motorola phones, giving more people access to a private, secure mobile experience. To stay updated on the latest developments, follow our mobile news section.