“Google’s new phone is considered ‘unsecure’, but there may be reasons behind this.”
2026-09-07 08:00Chips & Hardware🔥 42.2 heat score
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42.2heat score
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SummaryAI generated
The new Google Pixel 11 series devices have caused security controversies due to the removal of the Memory Tag Extension (MTE) security mechanism, which is based on the company’s own Tensor G6 processor. GrapheneOS refuses to adapt to this model, stating that MTE is a key hardware mechanism for defending against spy software such as NSO Pegasus. Although it was listed as a high-priority feature during the Pixel 11 design phase, it was later removed. Analysts believe that this move may have been aimed at reducing manufacturing costs or improving performance, but it also reveals insufficient optimization of security features in the chip architecture. Some speculate that Google’s removal of this feature may be related to preventing law enforcement agencies from using advanced surveillance programs to track users of the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 10 series.
The new Google Pixel 11 series devices have had their MTE security mechanism removed due to the Tensor G6 processor’s use of the Tensor G6 memory tag extension. GrapheneOS has refused to adapt this feature, stating that it is not secure. MTE is a hardware security mechanism introduced by the ARM V8.5-A instruction set, which can intercept vulnerabilities caused by malware inducing the CPU to access incorrect memory addresses, effectively protecting against spyware like NSO Pegasus. Google introduced MTE in its self-developed Tensor G3 processor as early as during the Pixel 8 era, but it was removed from the design of the Tensor G6 in the Pixel 11 series after being listed as a high-priority feature. Analysts believe that while this may reduce chip manufacturing costs and improve performance, it also reveals insufficient optimization of MTE performance for specific CPU architectures. Additionally, some believe that Google’s removal of this feature may be related to preventing law enforcement agencies from using advanced spy programs to monitor users of the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 10 series.