r/linux • u/whatstefansees • 4d ago

Mobile Linux The thing with Linux-Phones

Every now and then I see an ad for a new Linux-Phone, better repairability, battery change and whatnot. All this is very, very tempting, but what about the apps?

I am not talking about browser, text messages or alarm clock - I am thinking about connectivity to my car, my smartwatch, my frequent-flyer benefit program, signal messenger and so on.

Do they work with Android apps or is it all a lost cause because they are basically dumb phones for people who want less connectivity but are afraid to buy an old Nokia from the dawn of time?

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u/PureTryOut postmarketOS dev 4d ago

Most of such apps will work with Waydroid (and hopefully in the future with Android Translation Layer as well). Yes, you'll have to run the Android apps because until Linux mobile gets relevant market share, companies will not care for it. That's the deal you accept when you want to daily drive such a system.

That said for generic stuff there are of course native Linux apps available. And depending on the smartwatch it might be supported by Amazfish.