Big news for privacy enthusiasts: GrapheneOS is breaking free from its Google Pixel exclusivity, and it’s about to get a whole lot more accessible. For years, this security-focused Android experience has been the go-to choice for those seeking a de-Googled, privacy-first mobile OS—but only if you owned a Pixel device. That’s all changing soon, as the GrapheneOS team has confirmed plans to expand support to Snapdragon-powered devices from a ‘major OEM.’ But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just about adding another device to the list—it’s about opening up GrapheneOS to a broader audience at a ‘similar’ price point, making privacy more attainable for everyone.
In a recent Reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/GrapheneOS/comments/1o32gpg/comment/nivsx0k/?utmsource=share&utmmedium=web3x&utmname=web3xcss&utmterm=1&utmcontent=sharebutton), the GrapheneOS team dropped the bombshell, revealing that users will soon be able to install their OS on hardware that doesn’t come with it pre-installed—just like with Pixel devices. While the OEM partner remains unnamed, the team did confirm that the device will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and is yet to be released (https://www.reddit.com/r/GrapheneOS/comments/1o3vmn5/comment/nj1k76m/?utmsource=share&utmmedium=web3x&utmname=web3xcss&utmterm=1&utmcontent=sharebutton). So, who’s the mystery partner? Speculation is running wild, with OnePlus emerging as a frontrunner due to its history with CyanogenMod. But here’s where it gets controversial: OnePlus’s recent changes to bootloader security (https://9to5google.com/2025/08/14/oneplus-bootloader-unlock-android-16-changes/) have raised eyebrows, leaving many to wonder if it’s truly the right fit. GrapheneOS has already shut down rumors of Fairphone being the partner, but they’ve hinted that this OEM is ‘definitely serious about working with us’ (https://www.reddit.com/r/GrapheneOS/comments/1o3vmn5/comment/nj1km4c/?utmsource=share&utmmedium=web3x&utmname=web3xcss&utmterm=1&utmcontent=sharebutton).
And this is the part most people miss: this move isn’t just about expanding compatibility—it’s a statement about democratizing privacy. By partnering with a major OEM, GrapheneOS is challenging the notion that secure, privacy-focused software has to be niche or expensive. But here’s the question: Will this partnership dilute GrapheneOS’s commitment to security, or will it set a new standard for the industry? Let us know what you think in the comments.
For more on Android, check out our in-depth GrapheneOS review (https://9to5google.com/2024/04/16/grapheneos-review-de-googled-goodness-video/) and stay updated on the latest developments, like Google’s recent Android ‘Backup details’ redesign (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/08/android-backup-details/) and the October 2025 Google System Updates (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/13/october-2025-google-system-updates/). Follow Ben on Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/NexusBen), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@nexusben), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/nexusben.com), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nexusben) for more tech insights. Don’t forget to add 9to5Google to your Google News feed (https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMMqA-Qow-c_gAg?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en) to stay ahead of the curve. (FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)
