Freedom251 › Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Ubuntu Touch
What Ubuntu Touch is
Ubuntu Touch is a free mobile operating system intended to be used, studied, changed, and shared. It includes a dialer, contacts, calendar, file browser, and terminal, and can expand to a windowed desktop when connected to a monitor or TV. Native applications come from OpenStore, while Waydroid provides a route for Android apps on Linux-based systems. Debian packages can run in Libertine containers, and Ubuntu Touch tablets can run Snap apps. The device directory lists 111 supported devices, including phones and tablets; listed device types also include desktop PCs, Raspberry Pi, and Pinebook. Regular OTA updates are available, with installation handled by the UBports Installer on Linux, macOS, or Windows computers. Installing over Android erases current device data, so external backup is advised. The project says the system is mostly stable but still missing some features, and dual booting is unsupported. Support is available through Telegram, Matrix, forums, and Ask Ubuntu.
Who it suits
Ubuntu Touch suits users with compatible devices who want a free, modifiable mobile operating system. It also fits people seeking native, Android, and desktop Linux app options.
What it does well
- Free operating system with regular OTA updates
- Supports 111 listed devices
- Offers OpenStore, Waydroid, and Libertine apps
- Desktop mode works with a monitor or TV
- Installer runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
What to know first
- Compatibility depends on supported devices
- Some features are still missing
- Dual booting is not supported
- Android installation erases device data
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Touch | Copylefted libre mobile OS · runs on supported devices | Free |
As ubuntu-touch.io lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Ubuntu Touch offers a free alternative with several app compatibility routes and desktop-style use. Check device support and back up data before replacing Android.
Facts from Ubuntu Touch's own pages
- Android apps
- Waydroid is an independent project for running Android apps on Linux-based operating systems and integrates with Halium for hardware features. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- App catalog
- OpenStore apps are described as switching between mobile, tablet, and laptop or PC use. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Audience
- UBports describes itself as a global non-profit working toward users, developers, and companies defining smartphones together. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Built-in apps
- The system includes a dialer, contacts, calendar, file browser, and terminal. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop mode
- Connecting a device to a monitor or TV can expand it into a windowed desktop. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Device limitations
- The project says Ubuntu Touch is mostly stable but still missing some features, and dual booting is not supported. · devices.ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The UBports Installer is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows computers. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Installation warning
- Switching a device from Android erases the data currently on the device, so the documentation advises making an external backup. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Other apps
- Ubuntu Touch tablets can run Snap apps, and Debian packages can run in Libertine containers without direct hardware access. · ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system designed to be used, studied, changed, and shared. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Project history
- The UBports project was founded by Marius Gripsgard in 2015 and later continued maintaining Ubuntu Touch after Canonical announced it would end support in 2017. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- UBports documentation includes guidance for security vulnerabilities and filesystem encryption for Ubuntu Touch 24.04. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek help through UBports support channels on Telegram or Matrix, the forum, or Ask Ubuntu. · docs.ubports.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported devices
- The device directory lists 111 supported devices, including phones, tablets, and others. · devices.ubuntu-touch.io, 11 Oct 2026
Where Ubuntu Touch stands on Freedom251
- Privacy-Focused Operating Systems#3 of 16
- Operating Systems#34 of 42