Android OS Architecture
Apps
Framework
Native Libraries
Android Runtime (ART)
HAL
Linux Kernel
Core Components
Linux Kernel
Handles low-level hardware interactions, security, and process management.
HAL
Bridges hardware and software through standardized interfaces.
Native Libraries
C/C++ libraries for core features (WebKit, OpenGL, etc.).
Android Runtime
Executes app bytecode with optimized performance.
Framework
Java APIs for app development and system services.
Apps
User and system applications running on the platform.
Processes & Memory Management
- Each app runs in its own process and sandbox for security.
- Android manages memory using Linux features (OOM killer, cgroups).
- Garbage collection in ART/Dalvik for app memory.
- Process lifecycle management for efficient resource usage.
Security Features
App Sandboxing
Each app runs in isolated environment with limited permissions.
SELinux
Mandatory access control for enhanced security enforcement.
Verified Boot
Ensures system integrity from bootloader to system partition.
Permission Model
Granular permission system for app capabilities.
Learn More
Explore the official Android OS architecture documentation for detailed insights.
Android OS Architecture