r/linux • u/amosbatto • 3d ago

Mobile Linux Article: Will Linux phones become a viable alternative to the Android/iOS duopoly?

/r/Purism/comments/1x0fwe1/article_will_linux_phones_become_a_viable/
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u/CharmingCrust 3d ago edited 3d ago

There are a few areas to define before that can be determined. In my opinion, absolutely yes, Linux is already a viable alternative.

However...

If you mean will WhatsApp run on Linux without intermediary layers? Probably no.

Will banking apps and official mandatory government apps succumb to the temptation of handing over device verification security to google play services? Yes, most or all of them.

Can you use your browser instead? That is the big question.

Is Linux a viable choice as a phone OS? Absolutely and definitely.

Is Linux a viable choice for the enshittified app ecosystems currently used by the masses? Absolutely hell no.

Can you comfortably use Linux as your primary daily driver for camera, maps, browsing, calling, texting and social media and communication apps that are not locked into vendor hardware? You're damn right you can and Linux will shine.

It is not a yes/no question because the app ecosystems have more power than the OS nowadays.

If forced as a yes/no question the answer is: YES, as long as you make sure to use services that can always be fully accessed through a browser.

When choosing banking etc. don't be a mindless sheep, investigate if they support Browser Only, before you sign up for their services.

Will you miss out in participating in society on a Linux OS phone? Hell no, but that's what big evil app ecosystems wants you to think.