Hyundai and Kia support GrapheneOS; now the privacy-focused OS wants Volkswagen drivers to pile on the pressure
GrapheneOS is urging Volkswagen customers who use its app to pressure the car maker into restoring compatibility with its mobile app, pointing to Hyundai and Kia as examples of manufacturers that already support the privacy-focused Android operation system.
Image by Stephane Mahe | Reuters
GrapheneOS is urging Volkswagen customers who use its app to pressure the car maker into restoring compatibility with its mobile app, pointing to Hyundai and Kia as examples of manufacturers that already support the privacy-focused Android operation system.
- GrapheneOS is urging Volkswagen drivers to fight for app access. The privacy-focused Android OS says VW users should pressure the carmaker after reports its app no longer works on GrapheneOS devices.
- The dispute is about how Volkswagen verifies devices. GrapheneOS says VW could support the OS using hardware-backed verification instead of depending on Google’s Play Integrity API
- Hyundai and Kia are being held up as proof it can be done. GrapheneOS says both carmakers already support its OS, and is now pushing VW customers to escalate complaints, leave reviews, and demand action.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
The call to action follows reports last week from Volkswagen owners using GrapheneOS who said they could no longer sign into the company’s companion app, preventing access to connected-car features such as remote locking, charging controls, and vehicle location.
Volkswagen has not commented on the compatibility issues and did not respond to Cybernews’ previous request for comment.
In a post on X, the GrapheneOS team said there was “no legitimate reason” for Volkswagen to exclude the operating system, arguing the company could check devices using hardware-backed verification rather than relying solely on Google’s Play Integrity API.
GrapheneOS added that rival carmakers Hyundai and Kia both officially added support for the operating system to their mobile apps several months ago relying on hardware rather than the Google Play API.
The project argues Volkswagen could adopt the same approach if enough pressure is applied.
Call to action
The open-source project is asking VW drivers who use the app to take the following actions:
- Leave one star reviews on the Google Play Store,
- Submit support requests
- Escalate complaints beyond customer support
- Seek compensation for functionality they say was removed after purchasing their vehicles.
The GrapheneOS team also revealed plans to add an opt-in feature to its Info app that will notify users if its coordinated community action comes good.
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