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Pixel 11 and GrapheneOS: an update

GrapheneOS has now given a timeline for the Pixel 11, and this is my understanding of where we are and what to expect.

There is still no GrapheneOS for any Pixel 11 model. The hold-up is the same security feature we covered last time, memory tagging. The Pixel 11 has it in the hardware, but Google shipped the phone with it switched off.

On 6 October, GrapheneOS said they hope to add Pixel 11 support after December, as long as Google’s December update switches memory tagging back on, even at a basic level. (Which is a definate softening in stance from their first assertion).

I believe most of the work is already done on their side, so once Google delivers, it could move quickly.

Together,this means the earliest you’ll see GrapheneOS on a Pixel 11 is the new year, and only if Google’s December update comes through.

Best guess? January at the earliest, but nothing is promised.

If you’re buying now, the Pixel 10 series is fully supported, with security updates through to 2032 and 2033.

If you own a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro: Google has now ended support for both. GrapheneOS will keep them going for a while with reduced updates, but it’s time to start planning your next phone.

We’ll post again once GrapheneOS releases for the Pixel 11.

A heads up on the Messaging app update in GrapheneOS.

GrapheneOS has rebuilt the Messaging app from the ground up, which is why it looks completely different. It's the same app doing the same job, just modernised. It also no longer asks for access to your photos. When you attach a picture, the phone's own photo picker handles it.

When you first open it, you'll see a message saying texts are not encrypted. That's always been true of SMS, and it's exactly why we use a secure messaging app like Signal or Molly for anything private. Nothing has changed, GrapheneOS is just being upfront about it. Tap to continue and carry on as normal.

Some of you are seeing all your old messages marked as unread, with a notification that won't go away. That's a known bug in the update. To clear it, long press one conversation, tap the others to select them, then mark them as read. A fix with a "Select all" button is on the way.

Two other things a few people have reported: blocked messages showing up again, and new message notifications not coming through. Both are known and being worked on. If your notifications have stopped, let me know in the chat.

Any questions, ask me in the chat: telemetr.me/freedomtech_chat

Tony

A few people have asked me about the Duress PIN on GrapheneOS, so here's what you need to know.

A Duress PIN is a second PIN you set up. If it's ever entered, your phone is wiped on the spot. Everything goes, including your eSIM, and there's no getting it back.

It's meant for one situation: someone forcing you to unlock your phone, like in a robbery.

Never give it to police or border officers. In the US, a man was arrested and charged with destroying evidence after he gave border officers his Duress PIN and it wiped his phone.

Here in Australia, you don't have to give Border Force your passcode, and they don't have to tell you that. If you say no, they can hold your phone for a while. Most come back within 14 days. Saying no is legal. Wiping your phone in front of them is asking for trouble.

Keep in mind your phone already looks after you. If it isn't unlocked for 18 hours, it restarts itself and goes back to being fully encrypted. Your fingerprint won't open it after that, only your PIN or password.

A couple of other things. It works anywhere the phone asks for your PIN, so one slip when you're stressed and it's gone. You can't test it without wiping the phone. And if you do use it, make sure you back up regularly, because a backup is the only way to get your stuff back.

Travelling? Carry less on the phone. Back it up before you go, take off anything sensitive, and put it back when you're home.

If you still want it, it's in Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Duress Password. You'll need to set both a PIN and a password.

Any questions, ask me in the chat: telemetr.me/freedomtech_chat

Tony