A/B: This refers to the partition layout of the target device. Traditional Android devices used a single "A" partition. Modern devices use a seamless update system with two slots (A and B). This allows the OS to update one slot while the user is actively using the other.
System: This indicates that the image contains the system partition. This includes the Android framework, system apps, and the core user interface. It does not include the kernel or vendor-specific drivers. system-arm64-ab.img.xz
Vendor mismatch. Your vendor.img expects specific SELinux policies or HAL versions not present in the generic system.img . Solution: You need a "VNDK" (Vendor Native Development Kit) compatible GSI. Look for builds labeled arm64-ab-vndklite.img.xz . A/B: This refers to the partition layout of
The ab part is crucial. Older Android devices used a single set of partitions (A only). Newer devices (launching with Android 7.0+) often use an A/B partition layout. This means there are two copies of the system partition (slot A and slot B). The device boots from one slot while the other is idle, allowing seamless background updates. This allows the OS to update one slot
The GSI is larger than the reserved system partition. Solution: You need a "system-as-root" GSI or a slimmed-down version (Phhusson's AOSP mods often include smaller sizes). Alternatively, repartition (dangerous, not recommended).