this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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E: apparently it needs to be said that I am not suggesting you switch to Linux on your phone today; just that development needs to accelerate. Please don't be one of the 34 people that replied to tell me Linux is not ready.

Android has always been a fairly open platform, especially if you were deliberate about getting it that way, but we've seen in recent months an extremely rapid devolution of the Android ecosystem:

  1. The closing of development of an increasing number of components in AOSP.
  2. Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus have removed the option of bootloader unlocking on all of their devices. I suspect Google is not far behind.
  3. Google implementing Play Integrity API and encouraging developers to implement it. Notably the EU's own identity verification wallet requires this, in stark contrast to their own laws and policies, despite the protest of hundreds on Github.
  4. And finally, the mandatory implementation of developer verification across Android systems. Yes, if you're running a 3rd-party OS like GOS you won't be directly affected by this, but it will impact 99.9% of devices, and I foresee many open source developers just opting out of developing apps for Android entirely as a result. We've already seen SyncThing simply discontinue development for this reason, citing issues with Google Play Store. They've also repeatedly denied updates for NextCloud with no explanation, only restoring it after mass outcry. And we've already seen Google targeting any software intended to circumvent ads, labeling them in the system as "dangerous" and "untrusted". This will most certainly carry into their new "verification" system.

Google once competed with Apple for customers. But in a world where Google walks away from the biggest antitrust trial since 1998 with yet another slap on the wrist, competition is dead, and Google is taking notes from Apple about what they can legally get away with.

Android as we know it is dead. And/or will be dead very soon. We need an open replacement.

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 23 points 1 day ago (1 children)

There are several distros. You do need to ensure (as listed in the OP) that your bootloader is unlockable (listed as "OEM unlock" in Android).

  • SailfishOS
  • Ubuntu Touch
  • Mobian
  • PostmarketOS
  • Manjaro ARM
[–] Jack_Burton@lemmy.ca 7 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Interesting. I've seen Sailfish mentioned before, I'll look into it. I've got a couple old tablets to mess around with, seems like a fun project. Thanks for the info!

[–] WhatGodIsMadeOf@feddit.org 1 points 11 hours ago

I think they are very device specific. Like only a handful of specific phones have builds for these OS.

[–] MasterOKhan@lemmy.ca 9 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Take a look into PostMarketOS, they are the bleeding edge for Linux mobile development. You can search on their wiki if your phone is supported.

The other solutions listed might be more turn key but not close to mainline Linux. (Custom kernel, etc)

[–] Jack_Burton@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 day ago

Wow, surprised to see the old Samsung Galaxy S3 on there. Looks like I've got a project coming up

[–] pmk@lemmy.sdf.org 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

They don't seem to have any supported devices apart from community contributions?
"These are the most supported devices, maintained by at least 2 people and have the functions you expect from the device running its normal OS, such as calling on a phone, working audio, and a functional UI. Besides QEMU devices, this is currently empty."

[–] MasterOKhan@lemmy.ca 2 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 10 hours ago)

Yeah I wasn’t kidding about bleeding edge. It’s a double edged sword. You get more compatibility across a wide range of devices but it might not be 100% polished, yet.

To be fair, as most things in Linux, they are community developed. The community supported devices are supported by people who are taking their personal time to develop Linux to support these devices. You can view each individual device in the wiki to see how much support they have.

It’s all what you’re comfortable with, I still daily drive my iPhone as I need a very reliable device for my work. But I definitely rock my Linux phone when I can.