Linux geeks will rejoice when they hear that the first build of a Linux-based firmware is successfully running on the iPhone 3G and iPod touch. The software is running the 2.6 Linux kernel and basic support for graphics, serial and input over the USB interface. Developers have also created a multi-boot OS selection screen known as OpeniBoot to let users select between Apple’s iPhone OS and alternative platforms.
This is the first we have heard of Linux or any other non-OSX operating system running on the iPhone. It is definitely a step beyond just jail breaking or unlocking the phones. The iPhone dev team is looking to add more full featured support in iPhone Linux for the touchscreen, accelerometer, audio, networking and then later on maybe have the Linux-based Android OS on the iPhone. Isn’t there anything in the terms of use preventing this? We wonder…
Filed in ..