Samsung Releases Oreo Kernel Source Code For Galaxy S9 & S9+ (Both Snapdragon & Exynos Variants)

When the Galaxy S8 and S8+ were announced, Samsung took nearly a month to release their kernel source code. This time Samsung's been quicker. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ were unveiled at CES two weeks ago, and Samsung has now released the kernel source code for the two devices.

Android ships a modified version of the Linux kernel and since the Linux kernel is licensed under the General Public License v2, OEMs are obligated to release the kernel sources of all their devices running Android. Kernel source codes are useful for developers who wish to build custom ROM, kernels and recoveries for a device.

The kernel source codes are available for both the Exynos and Snapdragon variants. For some reason Samsung doesn't provide an option for unlocking the bootloader of the Snapdragon variants of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ (sold in United States and China). However the owners of Exynos variants can unlock their devices. At the time of writing this article, there was an untested and unofficial build of TWRP available for the Exynos variants of the S9+. There weren't any recoveries for the S9. If you are interested in following the development of the S9 siblings, I would recommend keeping a watch on the XDA forums of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

The Oreo 8.0 based kernel source code can be found at the links given in the source.

Source: Samsung Opensource Release Center

[Featured image credits - Samsung]

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.