Google is systematically dismantling the open Android ecosystem: forcing all developers to register with Google, slowing AOSP releases, and effectively turning Android into a walled garden. Here is what is at stake.
Windows phone failed because it could run apps people expect
That combined with being a locked-down platform, which is a big difference with the open source OSes to people who want to make the most use out of their phone, technical or not.
that’s the same blocker for Linux on mobile
Linux at least supports compatibility layers and VMs so it has more potential
Unless things improved drastically, I really can’t see how it replaces GrapheneOS.
Right now it doesn’t, but GrapheneOS is held hostage by Google until a group of people decide they want to hard fork AOSP even though Linux already exists. Google has become increasingly negligent with AOSP which is not a good sign for the future of either platform. Hard forking would involve maintaining most of an OS and fighting Google constantly if they want to maintain Android app compatibility, whereas the Linux ecosystem is already maintained and work for it improves both desktop and mobile so it just needs UX improvements to be a solid alternative.
My current daily driver is a Pixel 9 with GrapheneOS, and it’s the best experience I’ve had using a phone.
Right now I use a Pixel 6 Pro and it’s also my best experience but I’m pissed that it’s EOL now and I don’t want to spend $1000 on another mediocre Google-ecosystem phone with no expandable storage.
Like, if Linux on mobile actually becomes usable, I’d be very happy. I’m just skeptical this will happen in the near future. I guess we’ll see what happens.
That combined with being a locked-down platform, which is a big difference with the open source OSes to people who want to make the most use out of their phone, technical or not.
Linux at least supports compatibility layers and VMs so it has more potential
Right now it doesn’t, but GrapheneOS is held hostage by Google until a group of people decide they want to hard fork AOSP even though Linux already exists. Google has become increasingly negligent with AOSP which is not a good sign for the future of either platform. Hard forking would involve maintaining most of an OS and fighting Google constantly if they want to maintain Android app compatibility, whereas the Linux ecosystem is already maintained and work for it improves both desktop and mobile so it just needs UX improvements to be a solid alternative.
Right now I use a Pixel 6 Pro and it’s also my best experience but I’m pissed that it’s EOL now and I don’t want to spend $1000 on another mediocre Google-ecosystem phone with no expandable storage.
Like, if Linux on mobile actually becomes usable, I’d be very happy. I’m just skeptical this will happen in the near future. I guess we’ll see what happens.