Alibaba gets Android 16 running on RISC-V

Alibaba’s research arm, DAMO Academy, has successfully adapted Android 16 to run on its proprietary RISC-V processors, specifically the XuanTie 9-series chips. This milestone marks the first known instance of an RVA23 processor operating Android 16, according to Alibaba’s announcement. The company has shared this development with its initial strategic customers, aiming to accelerate the adoption of RISC-V-based smart devices and shorten the timeline from chip prototyping to product launch. The XuanTie 9-series includes a range of processors from entry-level models to AI-optimized server chips, though Alibaba has not specified which exact models support Android 16. The term “smart terminal” used by DAMO refers broadly to devices such as smartphones, PCs, digital signage, and industrial equipment, all potential platforms for Android on RISC-V. This achievement is significant in the context of China’s push for technological sovereignty, as local manufacturers are increasingly encouraged to adopt domestically produced chips over foreign alternatives like Qualcomm or MediaTek. China’s government policies have already influenced companies like Lenovo and Huawei to develop and deploy hardware and software ecosystems based on homegrown technologies. Lenovo’s “Kaitian” initiative and Huawei’s Harmony OS exemplify this trend, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Alibaba’s success with Android 16 on RISC-V further strengthens this domestic ecosystem by enabling a widely used operating system to run on Chinese-designed silicon. This development also precedes similar efforts by the RISC-V Software Ecosystem (RISE) project, which seeks to ensure broad software compatibility with RISC-V hardware. Alibaba’s progress highlights the competitive landscape in China’s chip industry, where players like Huawei, Baidu, and others are rapidly advancing their own processor and AI hardware capabilities. The integration of Android on RISC-V chips could accelerate innovation and adoption in various smart device markets within China and potentially beyond.