Table of Contents
Smartphones
Smartphones, probably in one's pocket or room someplace. These will usually feature an ARM chip, and run either Android or iOS; sometimes a Linux-based OS will appear.
Apple iOS (General)
Operating Systems (various ARM)
DOSBox (thru iDOS)
This is an all-in-one project, so the build process is just one simple click in xcode
This requires jailbreaking the device in question, as it was repeatedly crusaded off of the app store due to Apple’s stupidity.
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the DOS page.
iX
based on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic and uses XFCE
A sort of dualboot for iPod Touches and iPhones, using Open iBoot to load into the OS.
https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://ixproject.org/
http://www.hackurmac.com/2014/09/guide-install-ubuntu-on-your-iphone-or.html
Linux
The patches will be sent upstream for review soon, and hopefully merged into the mainline Linux.
A port which applies to theoretically, all A7-A8X based Apple devices. Currently in a very early stage, but it does work!
X11
Working window managers (jwm / twm / fluxbox)
While not exactly an OS, this port of X11 in tandem with Cydia/jailbreaks effectively turns iOS into a different operating system altogether, despite remaining the same at it’s base.
Other
checkra1n jailbreak
Among many other things, the checkra1n exploit is used for several EOP-related functions/hacks.
Apple iPhone 5s
Operating Systems (Apple A7)
Linux
One of several Apple devices that can run linux thru checkm8. Further information is available in the links below, especially the resources link.
Apple iPhone 6
Operating Systems (Apple A8)
postmarketOS
Basic functionality (SSH and USB internet) with the “none” user interface has been achieved with a netbooted postmarketOS
One can run postmarketOS on this device using PongoOS. The mainline kernel partially works, but requires netboot. It may not be highly usable, but it does work with display support and some level of input.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Apple_iPhone_6_(apple-iphone6)
Apple iPhone 7
Operating Systems (Apple A10 Fusion)
postmarketOS
To enter PongoOS, from where we can load the Linux kernel
Through Project Sandcastle, it was possible to load postmarketOS onto this device. This also uses the PongoOS project from the checkra1n group of things. It can boot, run X11, and presumably be interfaced with, similar to the Ubuntu port(?)
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Apple_iPhone_7/7%2B_(apple-iphone7)
Ubuntu 20.04 thru existing kernel
rather managed to network boot the Ubuntu instance
This can also be installed on the NAND. Dependent on the Project Sandcastle Linux kernel that also lead to the postmarketOS port.
https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/kvmsfd/success_iphone_7_booting_ubuntu_2004_to_full/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8vt34kTh0
https://www.xda-developers.com/apple-iphone-7-ubuntu-linux-checkra1n-project-sandcastle/
https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/kux9xx/success_iphone_7_with_dead_nand_netbooting/
Apple iPhone 8
Operating Systems (Apple A11 Bionic)
Linux
One of several Apple devices that can run linux thru checkm8. Further information is available in the links below, especially the resources link.
Apple iPhone SE 2016
Operating Systems (Apple A9)
Linux
One of several Apple devices that can run linux thru checkm8. Further information is available in the links below, especially the resources link.
Google Android (General)
Operating Systems (varies, usually ARM)
Debian chroot
allow you to run a Debian chroot on an Android device
A generic all-Androids guide for attaining a Debian chroot, with varying levels of root access.
Hellaphone
We decided we’d put our own software directly on top of the Linux part
Quite an interesting port, as it’s effectively hijacking Android’s underlying Linux base and using Inferno’s ability to run on top of another OS. Thus, Inferno is able to run native on any Android phone, without the difficulty of a bare metal port. Able to text, call, and not just be a PDA.
https://jfloren.net/b/2015/8/18/2
https://github.com/doublec/inferno
https://bitbucket.org/floren/inferno/src
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF_-jQc53jw
https://web.archive.org/web/20180318183426/https://bitbucket.org/floren/inferno/wiki/Home
HTC HD2
Operating Systems (Qualcomm Snapdragon S1)
postmarketOS
Because of the age of the HD2, there are serval 3rd party bootloaders available
A very old phone that can run postmarketOS. Surprisingly capable for it's age - although not THAT capable.
HTC Desire Z
Operating Systems (Qualcomm MSM7230)
postmarketOS
What doesn’t work: 32 bit color depth (“red screen” issue)
This phone stands out, for it has a slide-out keypad. PostmarketOS support is strong for the most part, although certain bits of hardware are untested and probably require more blobs. However, it boots, with WiFi, battery control, and most importantly, the keys.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/HTC_Desire_Z_(htc-vision)
HTC TyTN II
Operating Systems (Qualcomm 7200)
Plan 9 “9phone”
providing an extremely basic RIL, dialpad, SMS pager with threading, and modem-tethering
While some doubt the authenticity of this, the fact that the hellaphone was created at around the same time makes it a likely concept, although this phone is Windows Mobile based, from 2007, with only unofficial Android support.
https://warosu.org/g/thread/21320136
https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/comments/1rpb5c/plan_9_phone/
Lenovo K900
Operating Systems (Intel Atom Z2580)
Windows 7 (through QEMU)
you could run native x86 Windows 10 on this thing. But it's almost impossible
Not much is said about this, but QEMU works on this phone quite well due to the Atom. Furthermore, a native port is theoretically possible.
LG P698
Operating Systems (Qualcomm MSM7227T)
Debian Jessie
refer to this guide on XDA: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138661
This is another native port, using the guide for the Xoom down below. Everything is effectively the same, although performance is mediocre on this phone due to lacking drivers.
https://old.reddit.com/r/unixporn/comments/9npuel/phone_lg_p698_running_debian_jessie/
https://github.com/AsteroidOS/msm-fb-refresher (required for X)
LG V10
Operating Systems (Snapdragon 808)
Kali Linux
And it is booted natively, so no chroot, and full systemd functionality
The user that created this, flashed on a custom kernel, while also retaining the original Android install as a dual boot. There may be a github of this user compiling all of this, so look around.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Kalilinux/comments/9gpzs0/nethunter_step_aside_this_is_kali_linux_desktop/
Ubuntu (+Gnome, MATE, etc.)
Most non-CDMA variants should work.
It appears that most Linux hacks for these V10s exclude the CDMA variants. Functionality is mostly complete, although with some minor quirks in areas like screen rotation.
Motorola Droid 4
Operating Systems (TI OMAP 4430)
Maemo Leste
If you got the device stuck, use this combo: power button + bottom volume key
The superior option of the operating systems available for this phone. A very functional and fully featured operating system, on par to the Nokia N900 and other “classic keypad” style phones. It can even function with SMS, albeit without a UI for now.
postmarketOS
DO NOT TRY TO INSTALL pmOS TO THE STOCK SLOT! IT COULD BRICK
The inferior option of the operating systems available for this phone. Maemo has 3D accel, X, Wi-Fi, and more, all on mainline. Despite all of this, postmarketOS appears to run somewhat, if one really wanted to use it over Maemo Leste.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Motorola_Droid_4_(motorola-maserati)
Motorola Moto G7
Operating Systems (Snapdragon 632)
postmarketOS
Requires the use of echo 0 0 > /sys/class/graphics/fb0/pan to fix the screen
Support is there, but it’s in a lightweight and fragile state. More work would need to be done to truly make this worthwhile. Many features are not tested.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Motorola_Moto_G7_(motorola-river)
Motorola Moto G Play series
Operating Systems (???)
postmarketOS
It’s unclear if these variants apply to the “base” Moto G Play, but if so, these can run postmarket.
Nokia N900
Operating Systems (TI OMAP 3430)
Mac OS X 10.3 + other PPC based
Using PearPC, it is possible to emulate various Apple PPC variants of Mac OS X. It’s probably best to use 10.0, because 10.3 runs very poorly.
Maemo 5
The native Linux-based OS for this device, and the last OS released by a major phone manufacturer, meant for a major phone in the marketplace. Almost entirely FOSS with few nonfree blobs.
https://www.osnews.com/story/133160/the-nokia-n900-the-future-that-wasnt/
Maemo Leste
The installation consists of two steps
A continuation of the original Maemo OS. Very functional, enjoyable, and prestige for this phone. Highly recommended.
postmarketOS
you will need to boot into Maemo and create a /etc/bootmenu.d/10-pmos.item file
The function of this port seems relatively similar to the Maemo Leste port, although maybe with a bit less actually working. Prebuilt images of postmarketOS are released often for this device (supposedly), so it can be easy to simply flash an existing image.
Samsung Acclaim
Operating Systems (Samsung S3C6410)
postmarketOS
–NO FURTHER TESTING DONE AT THIS POINT I have given up on this phone for now.
Noteworthy for being a keypad phone. PostmarketOS does not boot at the moment, but it is in the consideration of things.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Samsung_Acclaim_(samsung-sch-r880)
Samsung Captivate Glide
Operating Systems (Tegra 2 AP20H)
postmarketOS
Keep in mind that pmbootstrap requires root permissions
Yet another keypad phone, and this time, postmarketOS actually boots with most all functions available. It’s recommended to run it off an SD card, rather than eMMC. Hardware support is well documented, it seems.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Samsung_Captivate_Glide_(samsung-i927)
Samsung Galaxy Chat
Operating Systems (Broadcom BCM21654)
postmarketOS
The touchscreen works in `ts_test` but does not work in Weston or i3wm
The touchscreen has some issues, although the keypad does work for the most part. However, symbols cannot be typed due to a keymap issue (presumably).
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_Chat_(samsung-zanin)
Samsung Galaxy S
Operating Systems (Exynos 3110 Cortex-A8)
postmarketOS
Flashing to device memory should be possible
This port has been tested in a slightly better fashion than the Ubuntu port, but it’s level of functionality is not entirely clear.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_(samsung-i9000)
Ubuntu 9.10
While this OS does run “natively”, you can only see the lxde gui through a VNC viewer
This can only be viewed using a VNC viewer, alas. Not sure why it can’t be viewed normally. It’s slated to have a quite poor functionality anyway.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tt-release-ubuntu-for-inside-of-sch-i500.807919/
Samsung Galaxy S Relay
Operating Systems (Qualcomm MSM8960)
postmarketOS
Now put it in download mode. You will need to do this twice during the flashing step.
It boots, and has Wi-Fi. The screen, however, won’t rotate, and the symbols won’t work on keyboard. This phone has a keypad, of course, which is why it’s been included.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_Relay_4G_(samsung-apexq)
Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro
Operating Systems (Qualcomm MSM8255)
postmarketOS
Flashing (system partition too small)
Most of the postmarket functions on this keypad phone work, although battery management isn’t complete, and camera/Wi-Fi/other things may not work either. It also can’t have the install flashed to it, due to tiny internal memory.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Sony_Ericsson_Xperia_Mini_Pro_(sony-mango)