Google is Bringing Linux to Android. Brian Dantonio Last updated March 12, 2025

[Condobloke]

Google is Bringing Linux to Android. Here’s Why That Matters - Spreadsheet Point

Google’s decision to roll out Linux on Android is one of the most significant updates the platform has seen in years. But is it enough to sway iPhone users?

spreadsheetpoint.com

Google’s decision to roll out Linux on Android is one of the most significant updates the platform has seen in years. While Android has always had Linux at its core, this new development goes beyond the kernel, giving users more flexibility, deeper system control, and access to a more desktop-like Linux experience on mobile.


For tech enthusiasts who value customization and open-source software, this move solidifies Android as the clearer choice over iPhone. Is it enough to sway Apple’s loyal iPhone users?

Most people already know that Android is built on a Linux kernel, but traditionally, users have been locked out of running full Linux distributions without rooting their devices or using workarounds like Termux. Google’s new implementation changes that, allowing users to run a full Linux environment directly on Android in a way that is officially supported and optimized.

More. : https://spreadsheetpoint.com/google-is-bringing-linux-to-android-heres-why-that-matters/

 

[theLegionWithin]

wonder if it's related to the Fed trying to break up big tech

 

[KGIII]

Is it enough to sway Apple’s loyal iPhone users?

I don't think it will matter a whole lot to them. I don't think it will make much of a difference when it comes to people who buy iPhones.

The people buying iPhones are often not all that technically minded and like it because it just works (for them). They're already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. They're unlikely to change to anything other than a newer iPhone. They happily pay a premium to use the iPhone.

For a short time, it was a status symbol but I don't think that's as true today as it once was. At least it isn't according to the various YouTube tech pundits. They're also great bits of kit with advanced features and specs.

But, I think the biggest hurdle will be getting them to give up the flawless interaction they get with other Apple devices.

These are words I thought I'd never say:

Right now, buying a Mac (with minimal specs) Mini is a pretty solid bargain.

It's attainable tech for a good portion of those who already own iPhones. Though, generally speaking, those folks already own other Apple products.

I did dig up some numbers, but it's a fairly small and limited sample size:

Infographic: Apple's Tightly Knit iPhone Ecosystem

This chart shows the likelihood of iPhone users using other Apple devices compared to Android phone users.

www.statista.com

 

[Thunderpants]

That old saying "Can't polish a ... springs to mind for Android. Full Linux coupled to a Google spy in the pocket device is not particularly appealing.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

The real question is, will that make us (non iPhone users) buy Androids only to be able to install Linux to it?

 

[KGIII]

The real question is, will that make us (non iPhone users) buy Androids only to be able to install Linux to it?

You sort of can do that right now. It's not a GUI desktop type of deal, but a Linux you access from the terminal. Though, there may be a way to load a GUI by now, as it has been some years since I've tried this. The tool I used was Andronix though, again, it has been a few years since I tinkered with it.

If you can unlock your phone, there's some chance that you can install an appropriate Linux as the sole OS.

 

[Mike-BTU]

The big question is, What will this let us do that we cannot without it?

If it lets me rename my desktop directories, then I'm interested.

 

[Mike-BTU]

I decided to browse https://f-droid.org/en.
Searched for Linux, but nothing interesting stood out.
Was I looking in the wrong place?

 

[Condobloke]

Bringing Linux to Android....that could mean many different scenarios.

It may mean that a new style of laptop, tablet or phone, will become available, with a Linux OS installed, which will (obviously) operate as a Linux machine....albeit with an Android base......Which (I think) would give the user access to the android apps...Google Play has grown enormously in the past decade, reaching $47 billion revenue in 2023. There were over 2.6 million apps available on the store in 2023, which were downloaded 113 billion times.
(https://www.businessofapps.com/data/android-statistics/)

With google at the back of this, the information flood which would flow in their direction would be astronomically huge...almost beyond comprehension.

This innovation would, no doubt, be aimed at the young people of today...the smart brigade. If any company knows their market, it is google.

But, the facts will speak. Google is about data...other peoples. It supplies them with info...which in turn fuels their main business.....serving up ads etc etc based on peoples behaviours, yadda yadda...we all know the story...we go out of our way daily to avoid it.

The rise of interest in Linux is real. Just go and look at Reddit....and reddit is not the only place..it is everywhere. Google are more than aware of this.....and they are obviously strong minded enough about it to make a canny business move.
See it as a move to shove Apple to one side in a competitive sense ?... I dont see it that way.......I see it as a move that just may dwarf Apple....perhaps/certainly reducing their relevancy in today's market.

Food for thought?

 

[Fanboi]

It's a nice gesture of convenience. I find it very frustrating not having full access. I use Termux (F-Droid, the Playstore version is deprecated -- for those considering it) for a CLI environment but don't "root" my phone on account of the ecosystem of Android being a threat in of itself. That means it's better to leave the guardrails up being they're designed for that ecosystem.

My questions would be:
- Can I... nah, let's forget fiddling with Android... Can I just replace Android with Debian/Fedora?

...Answer's going to be a hard "no" on too much exercising of your consumer rights. Remember Google will release Google versions of GNU/Linux with Google things embedded. They literally mentioned still using the Playstore. I believe they mentioned running Linux software "alongside" Android apps...
Unfortunately, it all hinges on firmware available for mobile devices. We've seen success running Ubuntu etc. on some devices but what I'm talking is a full desktop (which would likely need to be Gnome 3 -ish based on ergonomics of the touch screen) that can send/receive texts, make calls, and still have an Open Source compatibility layer for Android apps. That's not going to happen easily because each phone is different and the trouble is some OEMs will co-operate with the OSS/FLOSS community more and others less -- basically the issue we used to have far more of on Desktop.

Negativity aside I think this is a positive step. It opens doors. It gives the Desktop Linux ecosystem a chance to grow a lot more mobile-centric software and gives OSes a chance to launch spins geared towards mobile. It also gives means it'll be a higher priority to get firmware (free or reverse-engineered) into the Linux kernel for these devices. So let's hope this leads to me formatting my Android device and booting with a USB-C flashdrive.

Let's hope this doesn't just become ASL (Android Subsystem for Linux) har har.