Updating graphics drivers is usually not problematic on a PC, but on Android, GPU driver updates generally only arrive on the device through major operating system updates.
With this in mind, XDA has developed Adreno Tools, a library for applying changes or replacements to the Adreno GPU driver without root.
The API currently supports loading custom GPU drivers such as turnip, enabling BCn textures, and redirecting file operations to allow access to shader dumps and modification of the driver configuration file without root.
Adreno Tools allows GPU driver changes or replacements on Android without root
Since there is no limitation on driver source, modding enthusiasts can also load third-party drivers via Adreno Tools. This is especially useful for users who want an easy way to replace the OEM driver with an open third-party solution, for example, to try an open-source Vulkan driver.
Compared to the alternatives that require the device to be rooted, Adreno Tools represents a huge step forward for lovers of modding on Android. Adreno Tools libraries are available on GitHub at this address.