GrapheneOS expands to Motorola phones and defends duress‑password after US border charge

GrapheneOS announced it will add support for Motorola smartphones beginning in 2027, after Qualcomm’s Secure Element in its chips achieved the hardware‑level security standards the project requires. The OS will benefit from features such as limited unlock attempts, progressive time‑outs and other protections that were previously only available on Google Pixel devices, aligning with the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 security updates.

The project is also defending its duress‑password function after a user, Samuel Tunick, was charged by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for activating it during a border inspection. The feature erases all cryptographic keys, making the device’s data unrecoverable. Authorities allege intentional destruction of evidence, while GrapheneOS advises the duress password be used only as a last resort, warning of legal and physical implications.