Linux may run most of the world’s data centers and web servers, and its popularity for individual PCs is growing (even our own Douglas Black is giving it a whirl), but the open-source OS has never been able to successfully break into the smartphone world.
One of the most ambitious attempts at a Linux phone came from Canonical, the developers of Ubuntu. Ubuntu Touch, as the smartphone distro was to be called, was abandoned several years ago, but a small team called UBports picked up the project. Apparently, Ubuntu Touch still exists, and now it supports 64-bit applications.
This is a big deal for Ubuntu Touch. Transitioning to a 64-bit platform allows the OS to use more than 4 GB of RAM, apps open a bit quicker, and the overall experience is more fluid on modern smartphones that support Ubuntu Touch.
Speaking of supported devices, the list of phones that can run Ubuntu Touch is small. Out of those options, only a handful support the 64-bit flavor. These include the Sony Xperia X, the OnePlus 3, and the OnePlus 3T. To make matters worse, installing the 64-bit version of Ubuntu Touch is a complicated, manual mess of a procedure. UBports has an installer that handles the installation of the 32-bit version of Ubuntu Touch, but the installer doesn’t support the 64-bit version.
That’s probably the key reason why Ubuntu Touch (among other mobile-focused Linux distros) never took off. Smartphones are inherently all about simplicity. From the touch input-centered design to the lack of upgradeable hardware to the simplicity of applications and operating systems, smartphones were never designed to be “tinker boxes,” at least on a large scale. Most people looking for a smartphone want it to be a simple pocket computer they can use to check in with friends, surf the web, and play a game or two. Despite some bold claims, smartphones are not meant for the same workloads as traditional computers. As such, users are much less willing to tinker with the software on a smartphone than they are on a laptop or desktop.
Ubuntu Touch, now with 64-bit support.
Another reason mobile Linux has failed so far is that smartphones are a nightmare to develop for. While most computer hardware is largely standardized and widely available, smartphone hardware is expensive and often includes proprietary pieces not open to the community at large. Add to that the different skills needed to code for touchscreen-only input and the limited power of the hardware and you have a recipe for frustration from developers.
Linux smartphones have always been a passion project rather than serious endeavors. Even Purism (who seems to have the best handle on developing a Linux phone) readily admits that their Librem 5 Linux phone isn’t for everyone; rather, the handset is for Linux enthusiasts and hardware nerds.
The final nail in the coffin for the Linuxphone is the insanely narrow entrance into the market. Apple and Android have so thoroughly dominated the smartphone market for so long that a new entrant will largely be ignored. A Linuxphone finding its way into enough pockets to make the project economically feasible is about as likely as climbing Mount Everest with two plastic straws and a pair of flip flops. It’s just not going to happen.
It’s heartwarming to see projects like Ubuntu Touch continue, and it’s great to see them hit these kinds of milestones. These are passion projects that are to be respected, but every time I see something about Linux smartphones in the news, I have to roll my eyes a little bit. The comments on these stories are usually rife with Linux users and FOSS supporters claiming this is “the year of Linux” for smartphones.
Stop trying to make a Linux phone happen. It’s not going to happen.
Footnote: I fully understand that Android is built on Linux and is technically a “Linux-based phone.” But you and I both know that’s not what is meant by the term “Linuxphone,” so hush.
bittricks
November 9, 2019 at 7:34 am
Linux phones won't happen. Just go over to the Librem forums to see what a "sheetshow" it all is… countless delayed deliveries, using old, obsolete, underpowered hardware, grave doubts about the power and networking, no apps, and so on. When the Librem 5 gets released, the IT media is going to slam it.
Actually, I'm all for a Linux phone… but one that has the basic apps that just about everyone demands such as maps\directions, mail client, camera, text messaging, etc. The Librem 5 cannot even deliver the basics at this point.
There is a ton of fainboism and tribalism swirling about the Librem 5 project. There's a core of people that are willing to throw their hard-earned money at Librem 5 to support the FOSS\privacy phone.
IF Librem manages to survive another 5 years, only then will I consider any of their devices.
Sam Medley
November 11, 2019 at 9:11 pm
To their credit, Purism (the team behind the Librem 5) have been around for a while and make pretty decent, if expensive, laptops.
But yes, I agree that the Librem 5 has been a duct-taped disaster. Purism has gotten closer than anyone to delivering a legitimate Linuxphone, and it is pretty bad. Software updates can only go so far.
Here's the rub: Linux is a desktop OS and is built to be a desktop OS. Mobile OSes have different focus, and the FOSS community isn't too interested in developing Linux for mobile. Once the community decides to focus on mobile, then Linuxphones will see progress. However, I don't see that happening anytime soon.
DOT2010
November 11, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Android = Linux
So much bullshit rarely read only in the title, the author has no plan. That saves you the article better.
Sam Medley
November 11, 2019 at 9:08 pm
I pointed out at the end of the article that I fully understand and recognize that Android devices are technically Linux phones, but that's not what the term "Linuxphone" usually refers to.
Also, I'm not sure what you meant by "the author has no plan." I didn't deign to posit any kind of plan or roadmap for Linux phones. I'm merely sharing my observations.
Guy Fawkes
November 20, 2019 at 9:10 pm
I think Ubuntu should start supporting Wayland instead. The majority of users will use spy apps like FB and Twitter just like this Site. What is the point of this crap? Smart phones are for supervising the users when they buy a subway ticket etc in the smart cities in the future. Refuse a smart phone is resistance to f……. Supervising Dictatorship where Microdollar,FB and others are the new kings. Buy a dumb phone for 20 dollars and be happy. Boycott the supervisors. Use free source OS that think privacy is important. Suckers likes Suckerberg so go on licking d….
bittricks
November 23, 2019 at 3:09 am
The whole privacy argument made by the Linux camp is utter nonsense. Privacy does not equate to greater security. The fundamental risk is not privacy but instead data protection. And if you were born and live in most 2nd and 1st world countries, you have left a massive data trail throughout your life that's got nothing to do with privacy and everything to do with data protection. You, by your very existence, your use of medical services, your use of financial services, your online purchases, and so on and so – you, and only you – have put your data onto 2nd party systems. If your data is out there residing on 2nd party systems, then no matter how much you do to ensure your privacy, then it is wasted effort.
You can use everything Linux and still have your highly valuable personal data stolen and your bank account wiped out – all without ever having hacked any of your personal digital devices.
Sam Medley
November 26, 2019 at 7:10 pm
I don't think anyone would argue that Linux is a substitute for security in the ways you mentioned (at least not experienced computer users). Most people in this day and age, if they sat and thought about it, would realize that they leave a digital trail every time they go into a retail store with video cameras or make a bank transaction or pump gas.
Also, Linux isn't a substitute for sound digital practices for securing privacy and personal data. If you load up Linux and still surf Facebook, you're not doing much to circumvent data tracking.
Linux is less about privacy and more about control of your machine. No forced updates. Full root access without jumping through hoops. You truly own every aspect of the machine as much as you want to. Windows and macOS both keep a lot of OS closets locked to the end user, requiring them to pick locks to get inside; Linux closes the doors but opens them if you ask.
Yes, the only way to go fully dark is to get off the grid, and even then, you'll never be completely out of the system. But there are small steps you can take to guard what you can. Linux allows you control your machine; a secondary result of that is controlling what data is sent to whom from the OS itself.
4A4E53
July 3, 2021 at 12:07 am
You know, I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed at the entire "Stop trying to make it happen" but thank you for this take. I think people have the wrong kinds of expectations and a very black-and-white view on the entire discussion.
That said, I'm looking at ordering an F(x)tec Pro1X very soon and that's looking like it's promising. It can be shipped with Ubuntu Touch or LineageOS preinstalled and judging from an interview with the team hosted by Linux for Everyone on Youtube, I get the feeling that these people really get it. Especially Liangchen is a pleasure to listen to, this man is so passionate about this damn phone and it makes me smile.
This could really be THE phone for me personally. Just thought I'd throw that out there, as I really want product designers to keep trying. Giving up is simply not an option with companies like Google and Apple predating on your data.
Wayne
May 29, 2022 at 10:15 pm
I ordered mine in March '21. Keep the faith, baby!
Hugh Mann
September 20, 2022 at 11:46 am
Totally agree with 99% of what you say here. But it's not a matter of WILL your data get lost but WHEN WILL it get lost. You CAN do something about this. Read "I have nothing to hide, right?" Take back control of your own data
quite_the_name_rick
November 16, 2020 at 6:44 pm
For those about to tell privacy people not to bother, see things from a mitigation point of view, not absolute privacy.
Moem
November 28, 2021 at 8:00 pm
You can say that Linux phones will never take off as much as you want. You may even be right. But in the meantime, Ubuntu Touch users will happily keep using them.
Tim Foil-Hat
February 19, 2022 at 9:05 am
+1
DjangoJuice
November 29, 2021 at 11:05 pm
You're obviously not a Linux user. Linux users love Linux, and all the apps. That alone shows there is huge demand. In this day and age, with people using crypto and wanting to keep their digital wallets safe, I think many of the more intelligent techies will choose to have both an Android phone for traditional social networking, and an Android phone that they keep private with their digital wallets and a few of their favorite Linux apps.
Anyhow, no harm done with your attempts to discourage, because Linux users know what they want and why they want it. So they'll make it happen even if it has to go underground.
Tim Foil-Hat
February 19, 2022 at 9:04 am
Running Ubuntu Touch on a PinePhone and a Cosmo Communicator for about the last year or so. Easy install, very capable, nice to have a choice, no spyware, very security and privacy focused, good friendly dedicated community.
Everything that I need, nothing that I don't need. I have choice, I have privacy, I have freedom.
ames robertson
February 22, 2022 at 1:14 am
Linux phones are absurd. That's why they're a must-have…
Wayne
May 29, 2022 at 10:32 pm
Smart phones are an absurd, perverse replacement for the old PDA's, which didn't have any privacy issues 'cause they weren't connected 24/7. Android (linux's toe) won't even let you play Solitaire without being connected to Google Play.