AMD Adds Initial Support for UFS Host Controller Driver in Linux 7.2
For the first time, an AMD device ID is added to the UFS host controller PCI driver "ufshcd-pci" in the Linux 7.2 kernel, expanding support beyond Intel.
According to a Phoronix article, the Linux kernel’s Universal Flash Storage (UFS) host controller PCI driver “ufshcd-pci” will gain its first AMD device ID. This change is set to be incorporated into the currently developing Linux 7.2 kernel cycle.
A Driver Previously Exclusive to Intel
The ufshcd-pci driver abstracts UFS host controllers connected via the PCI bus. UFS is a high-speed storage interface widely used in smartphones, tablets, and some laptops, offering higher transfer speeds than legacy eMMC. Until now, this driver only supported Intel devices, but this patch changes that.
Last week, an AMD engineer posted a patch to the Linux kernel mailing list adding the PCI device ID “0x1B29” for AMD’s UFS controller. This ID marks the first non-Intel product added to the driver. The patch requires no changes beyond adding the vendor and device IDs, leaving the driver’s common code untouched.
Relationship with Existing AMD UFS Drivers
The Linux kernel already includes a UFS host controller driver called “ufs-amd-versal2,” implemented for AMD’s Versal2 SoC. Phoronix notes that this addition to the ufshcd-pci driver is likely for non-Versal2 AMD products. The commit message of the patch provides no detailed explanation of which specific product this device ID is tied to.
As reported earlier by this site in the article “Linux 7.1-rc7 Expands AMD Zen 6 CPU Models,” AMD is actively advancing support in the Linux kernel. In the storage area, this move suggests the possibility of UFS controllers being integrated into the company’s client CPUs and chipset solutions for GPUs.
Impact on and Outlook for Linux 7.2
The patch has already been reviewed and applied, and its inclusion in the Linux 7.2 merge window has been confirmed. As reported in another past article, “NVIDIA Nova Driver Kicks Off in Linux 7.2,” Linux 7.2 is a major release with multiple new features. This AMD UFS support is expected to improve storage compatibility when running Linux natively on future AMD-based systems.
Although it is unclear when AMD began planning this driver support, the opening of a driver previously reliant solely on Intel is positive news for the entire kernel development community. In particular, when AMD-based laptops and embedded devices adopting UFS for storage hit the market, the foundation for them to work with the standard kernel will be in place.
At present, it is unknown which specific product lines AMD will equip with PCI-connected UFS controllers, but integration into the Ryzen series or next-generation chipsets is plausible. Further details will likely emerge through vendor feedback after the Linux 7.2 release and through additional patch submissions.
Editorial Opinion
Short-term Impact
This patch is expected to bring direct benefits to users leveraging UFS storage on AMD-based laptops and mini PCs within 3 to 6 months after the Linux 7.2 release. Particularly for creator-focused laptops demanding faster storage and edge computing applications, the driver hurdle during OS installation will be lowered. However, since relevant hardware is not yet on the market, the effect will only materialize after the hardware is released.
Long-term Perspective
Over a span of one to three years, this can be interpreted as a sign that AMD is expanding its product lineup adopting the UFS controller as a standard IP. With competitor AMD entering the Linux support space for UFS host controllers, where Intel has long been the leader, platform neutrality at the kernel level will be further strengthened. This move also hints at deployment beyond smartphone SoCs to PC APUs and embedded SoCs. If AMD integrates UFS into variations of the Zen architecture, storage options will broaden, enriching the ecosystem for Linux users.
Question from the Editorial Team
The specific product image suggested by this patch remains veiled. Is the product where AMD connects a UFS controller via PCI a next-generation Ryzen mobile chipset, or a new category of processor? Furthermore, we are keen to see whether early support will receive tuning equivalent to Intel’s in terms of stability and performance. How do you, our readers, think AMD’s UFS strategy will affect the future Linux storage ecosystem?
References
- Phoronix: “AMD Support Being Added To UFS Host Controller PCI Driver In Linux 7.2” — Published June 8, 2026 https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-ufshcd-pci-Linux-7.2
- Linux Kernel Official Mailing List Archive (relevant patch)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ufshcd-pci driver?
- It is a Linux kernel driver that controls a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) host controller via the PCI bus. It enables the system to use UFS—a high-speed storage interface—and previously supported only Intel devices.
- Which AMD products are supported by this change?
- The patch adds the PCI device ID "0x1B29" for AMD's UFS controller, but the specific product name has not been disclosed. It is speculated to be for non-Versal2 AMD products, distinct from the existing Versal2 SoC support.
- When will this change be incorporated into Linux?
- The patch has already been applied and submitted for the Linux 7.2 kernel cycle. The official release of Linux 7.2 is typically expected after a merge window followed by several weeks of testing.
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