Android 13 will use the read-only file system developed by Huawei by default

According to a recent report by Esper, the latest beta version of Android 13 includes a statement of two new features. The statement shows that Google is planning to introduce EROFS into Android 13, making it the default read-only file system. The file system was developed by Huawei. Compared with existing file systems, EROFS has obvious advantages, which can significantly save storage space and bring speed and performance improvements.

EROFS is the acronym for Enhanced Read-Only File System, which was originally developed by Huawei. In mid-2018, EROFS was first introduced to the staging area of ​​Linux kernel version 4.14. After a year of continuous development, the EROFS file system driver was merged into the mainline in Linux kernel version 5.4. EROFS was first released in EMUI 9.1 in 2019, and the first models to adopt this technology were Huawei P30 and P30 Pro. This is also Huawei's last flagship product series to support GMS.

EROFS is different from other read-only file systems. It aims to build a new file management system to improve disk performance and speed while saving disk space to reduce unnecessary usage. According to Huawei, the random read speed of the EROFS file system can be increased by an average of 20%, and up to 200%, which greatly improves system efficiency compared to traditional EXT4.

Google is only planning to use it as the default file system for read-only partitions, such as the partitions used by the Android system core. Since the system partition is usually read-only, compressing the system partition can reduce the space occupied to save space for files that only change when the system is updated.

Although Google will enable the EROFS read-only file system in Android 13, it does not mean that all devices will automatically use it. This change will only affect devices that use the Android 13 system by default when they come out, and these devices also need to have GMS built in. Therefore, for users and manufacturers using AOSP, this change in Android 13 will not have any impact.

This article is reproduced from OSCHINA

Title of this article: Android 13 will use the read-only file system developed by Huawei by default

Article URL: https://www.oschina.net/news/197361/android-13-huawei-erofs