iPhone Dev Team successfully boots Linux on iPhone

A milestone has been reached in iPhone firmware modification on Friday with the first alternative operating system for the hardware, Linux, now running on the device.

The first build created by Dev Team is now running on iPhone, iPhone 3G, and the original iPod touch in what's considered a "draft" version.

The software primarily includes the main Linux 2.6 kernel as well as rudimentary graphics, serial, and other functional drivers that are just enough to get a command line running when input is sent over the USB interface; the accelerometer, audio, networking and even the touchscreen have yet to receive any kind of software support.

Developers have also made a basic multi-boot front end known as OpeniBoot that lets users toggle between Apple's own operating system and an alternative platform.

While only just beginning, the project is the first known instance of a non-OS X operating system running on Apple's touchscreen devices where previous modifications have so far been limited to jailbreaking and unlocking handsets.

It also promises to expand in the future: the Dev Team is hoping to run Google's equally Linux-based but more complete Android mobile operating system on the iPhone and is searching for programmers to help with the project.

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81 Comments

alpich

said about 15 years ago

So I can't have stereo bluetooth or sent my contact details vial bluetooth on my iPhone but I might be able to with my iPhone loaded with Android. Might be a reason to change. Don't want to. Just don't like the limitation.

We could start up a petition. Get a mass of iPhone users and petition Apple for features that Android has. If they don't we all then change our iPhones to iDriods, send videos to Apple. We could be like virtual terrorists holding our iPhone hostage to other software. Wonder if we could get "Achmed the dead terrorist"s as our spokes person. If you don't know who that is just type it into youtube.

bbwi

said about 15 years ago

This article is incorrect. Windows Mobile has been ported to the iPhone for some time now... maybe

http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/w...hone-we-think/

paxman

said about 15 years ago

These people should get out more. Why on earth would you want to spend all that time messing with the iPhone. If it's Android you want, just get one. I can't think of anything less useful, to be quite honest.

k.c.

said about 15 years ago

Geekdom rolls on.

vinitaboy

said about 15 years ago

ALPICH, why do you even bother with the iPhone. Clearly, CLEARLY, it is not good enough for you, so why not just jump into the Android/WinMob camp and be done with it? Or are you just one of those guys that isn't happy until he has everything precisely HIS way? (Even if that means Frankensteining everything you own.)