Linux 6.8 mainline kernel announces support for Google Tensor GS101 chip and Pixel 6 / Pro mobile phone

CTOnews.com December 20 news, according to foreign media phoronix reports, Linux 6.8 mainline kernel recently adapted to Google Pixel 6 / Pro mobile phone equipped with Tensor GS101 SoC.

In the upcoming Linux 6.8 kernel cycle, related devices and chips will be able to obtain native support for the Linux kernel without relying on various Android / AOSP downstream kernel sources.

It is reported that Google Tensor GS101 chip code name is "Whitechapel," is an eight-core SoC. The chip is a hybrid Cortex X1 / A76 / X55 core, equipped with Mali-G78 MP20 GPU, built on 5nmLPE Samsung technology.

The current support patch and device tree has entered the "for-next" branch of the SoC tree before Linux 6.8 cycle, and can be started with minimal Busybox initramfs and successfully accessed by the shell.

Considering that Google Pixel 6 / Pro phone was released in 2021, foreign media believe that it is "a little late" for Linux mainline kernel to provide native support for such a phone and built-in chips.

According to CTOnews.com previously reported, developers are adapting Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for Linux 6.8 mainline kernel. The relevant adaptation parts have been queued in their respective "-next" branches recently. In the future, the SoC can directly start Linux 6.8 mainline kernel without any additional patches.

Linux 6.8 will support running directly on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors