Mobile operating system

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A mobile operating system is an

.

Mobile operating systems combine features of a desktop computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use, and usually including a wireless inbuilt modem and SIM tray for telephone and data connection. In Q1 2018, over 123 million smartphones were sold (highest ever recorded) with 60.2% running Android and 20.9% running iOS.^[1] Not as many as 2012 (1.56 billion), 2023 still had soaring sales, 1.43 billion to be exact^[2] with 53.32% being Android.^[3] Android alone makes more sales than the popular desktop operating system Microsoft Windows, and in general smartphone use (even without tablets) outnumbers desktop use.^[4]

Mobile devices, with mobile communications abilities (e.g., smartphones), contain two mobile operating systems – the main user-facing software platform is supplemented by a second low-level proprietary real-time operating system which operates the radio and other hardware. Research has shown that these low-level systems may contain a range of security vulnerabilities permitting malicious base stations to gain high levels of control over the mobile device.^[5]

Mobile operating systems have majority use since 2017 (measured by web use); with even only the smartphones running them (excluding tablets) having majority use, more used than any other kind of device.^[2] Thus traditional desktop OS is now a minority-used kind of OS; see usage share of operating systems. Variations occur in popularity by regions, while desktop-minority also applies on some days in countries such as United States and United Kingdom. Android and iOS currently dominate 80% of the market share of mobile operating systems worldwide. Custom ROMs are alternative to Android.

Timeline

Mobile operating system milestones mirror the development of mobile phones, PDAs, and smartphones:

Pre-1990

• 1990–2010 – Mobile phones use embedded systems to control operation.

1993–1999

• 1993
  • April –
    GO Corp. become available on the AT&T EO Personal Communicator.^[6][7]
  • August – Apple launches Newton OS running on their Newton series of portable computers.
• 1994
  • March – Magic Cap OS by General Magic is first introduced on the Sony Magic Link PDA.^[3]
  • August – The first smartphone, the IBM Simon, has a touchscreen, email, and PDA features.^[8]
• 1996
  • March – The Palm Pilot 1000 personal digital assistant is introduced with the Palm OS mobile operating system.
  • August – Nokia releases the
    Geoworks.^[9][10]
• 1997 –
  Symbian OS
  .
• 1998 –
  Psion, Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia,^[11] Psion's EPOC32 OS becomes Symbian's EPOC operating system,^[12]
  and is later renamed to Symbian OS. Symbian's OS was used by those companies and several other major mobile phone brands, but especially Nokia.
• 1999
  • June – Qualcomm's pdQ becomes the first smartphone with Palm OS.^{[13][14][15][16]}
  • October – Nokia S40 Platform is officially introduced along with the Nokia 7110, the first phone with T9 predictive text input^[17] and a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) browser for accessing specially formatted Internet data.^[18]

2000s

• 2000 – The Ericsson R380 is released with EPOC32 Release 5, marking the first use on a phone of what's to become known as Symbian OS (as of Release 6).^[19][20]
• 2001
  • June – Nokia's Symbian Series 80 platform is first released on the Nokia 9210 Communicator^[21] This is the first phone running an OS branded as Symbian, and the first phone using that OS that allows user installation of additional software.
  • September – Qualcomm's Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW) platform on their REX real-time operating system (RTOS) is first released on the Kyocera QCP-3035.^[22]
• 2002
  • March
    • BlackBerry releases its first smartphone, running Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME).^[23]
    • UIQ is first released, at v2.0,^[24] on Symbian OS, and becomes available later in the year on the Sony Ericsson P800, the successor to the Ericsson R380.^[25]
  • June
    • Windows CE (Pocket PC) smartphones are introduced.^[26][27][28]
    • Sony Ericsson
      after the consolidation of some Symbian UI variants in 2008.
  • October – The Danger Hiptop (T-Mobile Sidekick in U.S.) is first released by Danger, Inc., running DangerOS.
• 2003 –
  Motorola A760 base on Linux MontaVista
  distribution.
• 2005
  • May – Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 5.0.^[30]
  • November – Nokia introduces Maemo OS on the first, small Internet tablet, the N770,^[31] with a 4.13" screen.
• 2007
  • January – Apple's iPhone with iOS (named "iPhone OS" for its first three releases) is introduced as a "widescreen iPod", "mobile phone", and "Internet communicator".^[32]
  • February – Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.0.^[33]
  • May – Palm announces the Palm Foleo, a "Mobile Companion" device similar to a subnotebook computer, running a modified Linux kernel and relying on a companion Palm Treo smartphone to send and retrieve mail, as well as provide data connectivity when away from WiFi.^[34] Palm canceled Foleo development on September 4, 2007, after facing public criticism.^[35]
  • June – World's very first iPhone is released in the United States.
  • November – Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is established, led by Google with 34 members (HTC, Sony, Dell, Intel, Motorola, Samsung, LG, etc.)^[36][37]
• 2008
  • February –
    NEC, Panasonic Mobile, and Samsung,^[38][39] released later in the year. The LiMo Foundation later became the Tizen Association and LiMo was subsumed by Tizen
    .
  • June – Nokia becomes the sole owner of
    Symbian Ltd.^[40] The Symbian Foundation was then formed to co-ordinate the future development of the Symbian platform among the corporations using it, in a manner similar to the Open Handset Alliance with Android.^[41]
    Nokia remained the major contributor to Symbian's code.
  • July – Apple releases
    App Store.^[42][43]
  • October – OHA releases Android (based on Linux kernel) 1.0 with the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1) as the first Android phone.^[44]
  • November – Symbian^1, the
    S60 5th edition) is first released on Nokia's first touchscreen Symbian phone, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic,^[45] with a resistive screen and a stylus.^[46] Symbian^1 being derived from S60 meant that support for UIQ disappeared and no further devices using UIQ were released.^[47]
• 2009
  • January
    • Intel announces Moblin 2, specifically created for netbooks that run the company's Atom processor.^[48] In April 2009 Intel turned Moblin over to the Linux Foundation.
    • Palm introduces webOS with the Palm Pre^[49] (released in June).^[50] The new OS is not backward-compatible with their previous Palm OS.
  • February
    • Palm announces that no further devices with Palm OS are going to be released by the company.^[51] (The last was the Palm Centro, released October 14, 2007.^[52])
    • Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.5,^[53] an "unwanted stopgap" update to Windows Mobile 6.1 intended to bridge the gap between version 6.1 and the then yet-to-be released Windows Mobile 7 (later canceled in favor of Windows Phone 7).^[54][55] The first devices running it appeared in late October 2009.^[56]
  • May – DangerOS 5.0 becomes available, based on NetBSD.^[57][58]
  • June – Apple releases iPhone OS 3 with the iPhone 3GS.
  • November – Nokia releases the Nokia N900,^[59] its first and only smartphone running the Maemo OS intended for "handheld computers...with voice capability", while stating that they remain focused on Symbian S60 as their smartphone OS.^[60] (Nokia had previously released three Mobile Internet devices running Maemo, without cellular network connectivity.)

2010s

2010

• February
  • MeeGo is announced, a mobile Linux distribution merging Maemo from Nokia and Moblin from Intel and Linux Foundation, to be hosted by Linux Foundation.^[61] MeeGo is not backward-compatible with any previous operating system.
  • Samsung S8500.^[62] It was later released in May 2010.^[63]
• April
  • Apple releases the iPad (first generation) with iPhone OS 3.2.^[64] This is the first version of the OS to support tablet computers. For its next major version (4.0) iPhone OS will be renamed iOS.
  • HP acquires Palm in order to use webOS in multiple new products, including smartphones, tablets, and printers,^[65] later stating their intent to use it as the universal platform for all their devices.^[66]
• May – Microsoft
  Windows CE and a "close cousin" to Windows Phone^[67]
  ) become available.
• June – Apple releases iOS 4, renamed from iPhone OS, with the iPhone 4.
• July – Microsoft Kin phones and KIN OS are discontinued.^[68][69]
• September
  • Apple releases a variant of iOS powering the new 2nd generation Apple TV.^[70]
  • Symbian^3 is first released on the Nokia N8.^[71][72] This would be Nokia's last flagship device running Symbian (though not their last Symbian phone), before switching to Windows Phone 7
    for future flagship phones.
  • The Danger Hiptop line and DangerOS are discontinued as a result of Microsoft's acquisition of Danger, Inc. in 2008.^[73]
• November
  • Nokia assumes full control over Symbian as the Symbian Foundation disintegrates.^[74]
  • Windows Phone OS is released^[75] on Windows Phone 7 phones by HTC, LG, Samsung, and Dell. The new OS is not backward-compatible with the prior Windows Mobile OS.^[76][77]

2011

• February
  • Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the first version to officially support tablet computers, is released on the Motorola Xoom.^[78]
  • Nokia abandons the Symbian OS and announces that it would use Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 as its primary smartphone platform, while Symbian would be gradually wound down.^[79][80]
• April –
  QNX Neutrino is released on the BlackBerry PlayBook
  .
• July
  • Mozilla announces their Boot to Gecko project (later named Firefox OS) to develop an OS for handheld devices emphasizing standards-based Web technologies,^[81] similar to webOS.
  • webOS 3.0, the first version to support tablet computers, is released on the HP TouchPad.^[82]
• August – HP announces that webOS device development and production lines would be halted.^[83] The last HP webOS version, 3.0.5, is released on January 12, 2012.^[84]
• September
  • MeeGo is introduced with the limited-release Nokia N9, Nokia's first and only consumer device to use the OS.^[85] (A small number of the Nokia N950, a MeeGo phone available only to developers, were released in mid-2011.^[86])
  • After Nokia's abandonment of MeeGo, Intel and the Linux Foundation announce a partnership with Samsung to launch Tizen, shifting their focus from MeeGo (Intel and Linux Foundation) and Bada (Samsung) during 2011 and 2012.^[87]
• October
  • Apple releases
    iPhone 4S, integrating the Siri
    voice assistant.
  • The Mer project is announced, based on an ultra-portable core for building products, composed of Linux, HTML5, QML, and JavaScript, which is derived from the MeeGo codebase.
• November –
  Kindle Fire
  tablet.

2012

• May – Nokia releases the Nokia 808 PureView,^[88] later confirmed (in January 2013) to be the last Symbian smartphone.^[89] This phone was followed by a single last Symbian software update, "Nokia Belle, Feature Pack 2", later in 2012.^[90]
• July
  • Finnish start-up Jolla, formed by former Nokia employees, announces that MeeGo's community-driven successor Mer^[91] would be the basis of their new Sailfish smartphone OS.^[92]
  • Mozilla announces that the project formerly named Boot to Gecko (which is built atop an Android Linux kernel using Android drivers and services; however it uses no Java-like code of Android) is now Firefox OS (since discontinued) and has several handset OEMs on board.
• August – Samsung announces they will not ship further phones using their Bada OS, instead focusing on Windows Phone 8 and Android.^[93]
• September – Apple releases iOS 6 with the iPhone 5.

2013

• January –
  BlackBerry releases their new operating system for smartphones, BlackBerry 10, with their Q10 and Z10 smartphones.^[94] BlackBerry 10 is not backward-compatible with the BlackBerry OS
  used on their previous smartphones.
• February – HP sells webOS to LG.^[95][96]
• September – Apple releases
  iPhone 5C
  .
• October
  • Canonical announces Ubuntu Touch, a version of the Linux distribution expressly designed for smartphones. The OS is built on the Android Linux kernel, using Android drivers and services, but does not use any of the Java-like code of Android.^[97]
  • Google releases Android KitKat 4.4.
• November – Jolla releases Sailfish OS on the Jolla smartphone.^[98]

2014

• February
  • Microsoft releases Windows Phone 8.1
  • Nokia's own app store) and Microsoft (such as Skype and Outlook), with a user interface that mimics the Windows Phone UI. After the acquisition of Nokia's devices unit, Microsoft announced in July 2014 that no more Nokia X smartphones would be introduced, marking the end of the platform just a few months later.^[100]
• August – The Samsung SM-Z9005 Z is the first phone released running Tizen, with v2.2.1 of the OS.^[101]
• September
  • Apple releases iOS 8 with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
  • BlackBerry releases BlackBerry 10 version 10.3 with integration with the Amazon Appstore
• November – Google releases Android 5.0 "Lollipop"

2015

• February – Google releases Android 5.1 "Lollipop".
• April
  • LG releases the LG Watch Urbane LTE smartwatch running "LG Wearable Platform OS" based on webOS.^[102][103] This is a version of their Android Wear OS-based LG Watch Urbane, with added LTE connectivity.
  • watchOS, based on iOS, is released by Apple with the Apple Watch.
• September
  • Apple releases
    iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini 4, plus watchOS 2. tvOS 9 is also made distinct from iOS, with its own App Store, launching with Apple TV 4th generation
    .
  • Google releases Android 6.0 "Marshmallow".
• October – BlackBerry announces that there are no plans to release new APIs and software development kits for BlackBerry 10, and future updates would focus on security and privacy enhancements only.^[104]
• November – Microsoft releases Windows 10 Mobile.^[105]

2016

• February – Microsoft releases the Lumia 650,^[106] their last Windows 10 Mobile phone before discontinuing all mobile hardware production the following year.^[107]
• July – The BlackBerry Classic, the last device to date running a BlackBerry OS is discontinued.^[108] While BlackBerry Limited claimed to still be committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system,^[109] they have since only shipped Android devices after releasing the BlackBerry Priv, their first Android smartphone in November 2015.^[110]
• August
  • Google posts the Fuchsia source code on GitHub.
  • Google releases Android 7.0 "Nougat".^[111]
• September – Apple releases
  Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
  .
• November
  • Tizen releases Tizen 3.0.
  • BlackBerry releases BlackBerry 10 version 10.3.3.

2017

• April
  • Development of Ubuntu Touch is transferred from Canonical Ltd. to the UBports Foundation^[112]
  • Samsung officially launches Android-based Samsung Experience custom firmware starting with version 8.1 on Samsung Galaxy S8.
• May
  • Samsung announces Tizen 4.0 at Tizen Developer Conference 2017.
• August
  • Google releases Android 8.0 "Oreo".
• September
  • Apple releases
    Apple Watch Series 3
    .
• October
  • Microsoft announces that Windows 10 Mobile development is going into maintenance mode only, ending the release of any new features or functionality due to lack of market penetration and resultant lack of interest from app developers,^[113][114] and releases the final major update to it, the "Fall Creators Update."^[115]
  • Cherry Mobile release CherryOS based on Android

2018

• February
  • Samsung releases Samsung Experience 9.0 based on Android "Oreo" 8.0 globally to Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• March
  • Google and partners officially launches Android Go (based on Android "Oreo" 8.1 but tailored for low-end devices) with Nokia 1, Alcatel 1X, ZTE Tempo Go, General Mobile 8 Go, Micromax Bharat Go and Lava Z50.
  • Google releases Android "9" as a developer preview.
• April
  • Microsoft release Windows 10 Version 1803 "April 2018 Update".
• May
  • Huawei release LiteOS version 2.1.
• August
  • Google releases Android 9.0 "Pie".
  • UBPorts released Ubuntu Touch OTA-14, upgrading the OS based on the Canonical's long-term support version of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS "Xenial Xerus".
  • Xiaomi officially introduces
    MIUI for POCO
    for their Poco series smartphone.
  • Samsung officially introduces Tizen 4.0 with the release of Samsung Galaxy Watch series.
• September
  • Apple releases iOS 12 with the iPhone XS and XS Max, and watchOS 5 with Apple Watch Series 4.
  • Huawei releases EMUI 9.0.
• October
  • Microsoft releases Windows 10 Version 1809 "October 2018 Update".
• November
  • Samsung announces the One UI as the latest version of the Samsung Experience UI.
  • Amazon released Fire OS 6 to supported Fire HD devices.

2019

• January
  • Microsoft announces that support for Windows 10 Mobile would
    end on December 10, 2019, and that Windows 10 Mobile users should migrate to iOS or Android phones.^[116][117]
• June
  • Apple announces iOS 13, watchOS 6, and iPadOS as a distinct variant of iOS.
• August
  • Huawei officially announces HarmonyOS
• September
  • Apple releases
    7th generation iPad
    .
  • Google releases Android 10.
  • The Librem 5, the first phone running PureOS, is released.
• October
  • Samsung announces the One UI 2.0 as the latest version of their Galaxy Smartphone and Smartwatch UI .
• November
  • Microsoft releases the Windows 10 November 10, 2019 Update.

Current software platforms

These operating systems often run atop baseband or other real-time operating systems that handle hardware aspects of the phone.

Android

Android (based on the modified

Android's releases before 2.0 (1.0, 1.5, 1.6) were used exclusively on mobile phones. Android 2.x releases were mostly used for mobile phones but also some tablets. Android 3.0 was a tablet-oriented release and does not officially run on mobile phones. Both phone and tablet compatibility were merged with Android 4.0. The current Android version is Android 14, released on October 4, 2023.

Android One

Android One, a successor to

.

Current Android One version list

• Android One versions follow those of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), starting from Android 5.0 "Lollipop"

BharOS

BharOS is a mobile operating system in India. It is an Indian government-funded project to develop a free and open-source operating system (OS) for use in government and public systems.

BlackBerry Secure

BlackBerry Secure is an operating system developed by

. Currently, BlackBerry plans to license out the BlackBerry Secure to other OEMs.

Current BlackBerry Secure version list

• BlackBerry Secure version 1.x – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.x and "Nougat" 7.x

CalyxOS

CalyxOS is an operating system for smartphones based on Android with mostly free and open-source software. It is produced by the Calyx Institute as part of its mission to "defend online privacy, security and accessibility."

ColorOS

ColorOS is a custom front-end touch interface based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and developed by

. Future Realme devices will have their own version of ColorOS.

Current ColorOS version list

• ColorOS 1.x – based on Android "Jelly Bean" 4.2.x and "KitKat" 4.4
• ColorOS 2.x – based on Android "KitKat" 4.4 and "Lollipop" 5
• ColorOS 3.x – based on Android "Lollipop" 5, "Marshmallow" 6, and "Nougat" 7
• ColorOS 5.x – based on Android "Oreo" 8
• ColorOS 6.x – based on Android "Pie" 9
• ColorOS 7.x – based on Android 10
• ColorOS 11.x – based on Android 11
• ColorOS 12.x – based on Android 11 and 12

CopperheadOS

CopperheadOS is a security-hardened version of Android.

DivestOS

DivestOS is a soft fork of LineageOS.^[122] Includes Monthly Updates, FOSS Focus, Deblobbing, Security and Privacy focus, and F-Droid^[123]

EMUI

Huawei EMUI is the front-end touch interface developed by Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and its sub-brand Honor which is based on Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP). EMUI is preinstalled on most Huawei and Honor devices. While it was based on the open-source Android operating system, it consists of closed-source proprietary software. Since the US sanctions, it is currently a fork of Android similar to FireOS instead of a compatible one.

In mainland China, and internationally since 2020 due to U.S. sanctions, EMUI devices use Huawei Mobile Services such as Huawei AppGallery instead of Google Mobile Services. Aside from based on Android, Huawei also bundle the HarmonyOS microkernel in the latest EMUI update inside Android which handle other process including security authentication such as the fingerprint authentication.^[124]

/e/

/e/ is an operating system forked from the source code of LineageOS (based on Android). /e/ targets Android smart phone devices and uses MicroG as a replacement for Google Play Services.^[125] /e/OS is not completely open source software, because it comes with the proprietary Magic Earth 'Maps' app.

Fire OS

Amazon Fire OS is a mobile operating system forked from Android and produced by Amazon for its Fire range of tablets, Echo and Echo Dot, and other content delivery devices like Fire TV (previously for their Fire Phone). Fire OS primarily centers on content consumption, with a customized user interface and heavy ties to content available from Amazon's own storefronts and services.

Current Fire OS version list

• Fire OS 1.x
• Fire OS 2.x
• Fire OS 3.x
• Fire OS 4.x
• Fire OS 5.x
• Fire OS 6.x
• Fire OS 7.x

Flyme OS

support for a few Android devices.

Current Flyme OS version list

• Flyme OS 1.x.x (based on Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" 4.0.3, initial release)
• Flyme OS 2.x.x (based on Android "Jelly Bean" 4.1.x – 4.2.x)
• Flyme OS 3.x.x (based on Android "Jelly Bean" 4.3.x)
• Flyme OS 4.x.x (based on Android "KitKat" 4.4.x)
• Flyme OS 5.x.x (based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0.x – 5.1.x)
• Flyme OS 6.x.x (based on Android "Nougat" 7.x, "Marshmallow" 6.0.x and "Lollipop" 5.0.x – 5.1.x for old devices^[126])
• Flyme OS 7.x.x (based on Android "Pie" 9.0, "Oreo" 8.x and "Nougat" 7.x)
• Flyme OS 8.x.x (based on Android 10, "Pie" 9.0, "Oreo" 8.x and "Nougat" 7.x)
• Flyme OS 9.x.x (based on Android 11 and 10)

FuntouchOS

FuntouchOS is a custom user interface developed by

that is based on the Android Open Source Project. FuntouchOS 10.5 had a redesigned UI that resembled stock Androids.

Current FuntouchOS version list

• FuntouchOS 2.x – Based on Android "KitKat" 4.4, Android "Lollipop" 5 and Android "Marshmallow" 6, initial release
• FuntouchOS 3.x – Based on Android "Marshmallow" 6 and Android "Nougat" 7
• FuntouchOS 4.x – Based on Android "Oreo" 8
• FuntouchOS 9.x – Based on Android "Pie" 9
• FuntouchOS 10.x – Based on Android "Pie" 9 and Android 10
• FuntouchOS 10.5 – Based on Android 10 and Android 11, redesigned UI
• FuntouchOS 11.x – Based on Android 10 and Android 11
• FuntouchOS 12.x – Based on Android 11 and Android 12
• FuntouchOS 13.x -Based on Android 13

GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS is a variant of Android for Pixel hardware.

HiOS

HiOS is an Android-based operating system developed by

the mobile device. The operating system is also bundled with utility applications that allow users to free up memory, freeze applications, limit data accessibility to applications among others. HiOS comes with features like Launcher, Private Safe, Split Screen and Lockscreen Notification.

Current HiOS version list

• HiOS 1.x – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6
• HiOS 2.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7
• HiOS 3.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7
• HiOS 4.x – based on Android "Oreo" 8
• HiOS 5.x – based on Android "Pie" 9
• HiOS 6.x – based on Android 10
• HiOS 7.x – based on Android 10
• HiOS 7.6.x – based on Android 11
• HiOS 8.x – based on Android 11

HTC Sense

HTC Sense is a software suite developed by HTC, used primarily on the company's Android-based devices. Serving as a successor to HTC's

, was released in 2009.

• HTC Sense 1.x (based on Android "Eclair" 2.0/2.1, initial release)
• HTC Sense 2.x (based on Android "Eclair", "Froyo" and "Gingerbread" 2.0/2.1, 2.2.x and 2.3.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 3.x (based on Android "Gingerbread" 2.3.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 4.x (based on Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" and "Jelly Bean" 4.0.x and 4.1.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 5.x (based on Android "Jelly Bean" 4.1.x – 4.3.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 6.x (based on Android "KitKat" 4.4.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 7.x (based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 8.x (based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.0.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 9.x (based on Android "Nougat" 7.x, redesigned UI)
• HTC Sense 10.x (based on Android "Oreo" 8.x and "Pie" 9.0, redesigned UI)

iQOO UI

iQOO UI is a custom user interface that is based on

, which itself is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The UI mostly resembles its predecessor, but with a customized UI on top of the Funtouch OS.

Current iQOO UI version list

• iQOO UI 1.x – Based on Funtouch OS

Indus OS

Indus OS is a custom mobile operating system based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It is developed by the Indus OS team based in India. No longer valid as of 2018, Indus OS is available on Micromax, Intex, Karbonn, and other Indian smartphone brands.

Current Indus OS version list

• Firstouch OS (based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0)
• Indus OS 2.0 (based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.0)
• Indus OS 3.0 (based on Android "Nougat" 7.0.1)

LG UX

LG UX (formerly Optimus UI) is a front-end touch interface developed by LG Electronics and partners, featuring a full touch user interface. It is not an operating system. LG UX is used internally by LG for sophisticated feature phones and tablet computers, and is not available for licensing by external parties.

Optimus UI 2, based on Android 4.1.2, has been released on the Optimus K II and the Optimus Neo 3. It features a more refined user interface compared to the prior version based on Android 4.1.1, along with new functionalities such as voice shutter and quick memo.

Current LG UX version list

• Optimus UI 1.x – based on Android "Gingerbread" 2.3.x, initial release
• Optimus UI 2.x – based on Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" and "Jelly Bean" 4.0.x and 4.1.x – 4.3.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 3.x – based on Android "KitKat" and "Lollipop" 4.4.x and 5.0.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 4.x – based on Android "Lollipop" and "Marshmallow" 5.1.x and 6.0.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 5.x – based on Android "Marshmallow" and "Nougat" 6.0.x and 7.0.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 6.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7.0.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 6.x+ – based on Android "Oreo" 8.0.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 7.x – based on Android "Oreo" 8.x, redesigned UI
• LG UX 7.x+ – based on Android "Oreo" 8.x., redesigned UI
• LG UX 8.x – based on Android "Pie" 9.0, redesigned UI
• LG UX 9.x – based on Android 10 redesigned UI

LineageOS

Lineage Android Distribution is a custom mobile operating system based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It serves as the successor to the highly popular custom ROM, CyanogenMod, from which it was forked in December 2016 when Cyanogen Inc. announced it was discontinuing development and shut down the infrastructure behind the project. Since Cyanogen Inc. retained the rights to the Cyanogen name, the project rebranded its fork as LineageOS.

Similar to CyanogenMod, it does not include any proprietary apps unless the user installs them. It allows Android users who can no longer obtain update support from their manufacturer to continue updating their OS version to the latest one based on official release from Google AOSP and heavy theme customization.

MagicOS

"MagicOS" (formerly known as Magic UI and Magic Live) is a front-end touch interface developed by Honor as a subsidiary of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd before Honor became an independent company.

Magic UI is based on Huawei EMUI, which is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The overall user interface looks almost identical to EMUI, even after the separation. While it was based on the open-source Android operating system, it consists of closed-source proprietary software.

Due to sanctions imposed by the US on Huawei, new devices released by both Huawei and Honor are no longer allowed to include Google Mobile Services. To allow Honor to regain access to Google services, Huawei sold off Honor to become an independent company, thereby allowing them to pre-install Google Mobile Services on their latest devices.

• Magic UI 1.x – Based on EMUI 8 with Android "Oreo" 8 (Initial released)
• Magic UI 2.x – Based on EMUI 9 with Android "Pie" 9 (Minor UI update)
• Magic UI 3.x – Based on EMUI 10 with Android 10 (Minor UI update)
• Magic UI 4.x – Based on EMUI 11 with Android 10 and Android 11 (Minor UI update)
• Magic UI 5.x – Based on EMUI 11 with Android 10 and Android 11 (Minor UI update)
• Magic UI 6.x – Based on EMUI 12 with Android 12 (Major UI redesigned)
• Magic OS 7.x – Based on EMUI 12 with Android 13 (Minor UI redesigned)

MIUI

Mi User Interface (MIUI), developed by the Chinese electronic company

MIUI for POCO

A specific version of MIUI developed for Xiaomi sub-brand (Currently an independence brand)

POCO

, the overall experience of the "skin" was similar to those of standard MIUI expect during the early release of MIUI for POCO where compared to standard MIUI it has an app drawer and allowed for 3rd party Android icon customization. Whereas the current MIUI for POCO shared all the common experience with those of standard MIUI, except the icon and the POCO Launcher instead of stock MIUI Launcher. In 2024 MIUI for POCO was replaced by Xiaomi HyperOS.

MyOS

MyOS (formerly called MiFavor) is a custom Android UI developed by ZTE for their flagship smartphones. MyOS is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This is a redesign from their previous custom Android UI, MiFavor.

Current MyOS version list

• MiFavor 1.x – based on Android "KitKat" 4.4.x, initial release
• MiFavor 2.x – based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0.x – 5.1.x, redesigned UI
• MiFavor 3.x – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.x, redesigned UI
• MiFavor 4.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7.x, redesigned UI
• MiFavor 5.x – based on Android "Oreo" 8.x, redesigned UI
• MiFavor 9.x – based on Android "Pie" 9.0, redesigned UI
• MiFavor 10.x – based on Android 10, redesigned UI
• MyOS 11.x – based on Android 11, initial release migrate from MiFavor
• MyOS 12.x – based on Android 12, redesigned UI
• MyOS 13.x – based on Android 13
• MyOS 14.x – based on Android 14

My UI

My UI (formerly called My UX) is a custom Android UI developed by Motorola for their devices. My UX used to look like the stock Android user experience up until My UI 3.x.

Current My UX version list

• My UX 1.x – based on Android 10, initial release
• My UI 2.x – based on Android 11
• My UI 3.x – based on Android 12
• My UI 4.x – based on Android 12

Nothing OS

Nothing OS is a custom Android UI developed by

. Nothing OS design interface are identical to the stock Android and Pixel UI experience, aside from their custom font and widget which is based on dot design.

Current Nothing OS version list

• Nothing OS 1 – based on Android 12, initial release
• Nothing OS 1.5 – based on Android 13
• Nothing OS 2 – based on Android 13, minor UI redesigned
• Nothing OS 2.5 - based on Android 14 [128]

nubia UI

nubia UI is a custom Android UI developed by ZTE and nubia for their smartphones. nubia UI is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Current nubia UI version list

• Nubia UI 6.x – based on Android 8 "Oreo"
• Nubia UI 7.x – based on Android 9 "Pie"
• nubia UI 8.x – based on Android 10
• nubia UI 9.x – based on Android 11

One UI

One UI (formerly called

. With the release of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung Experience 8.1 was preinstalled on it with new functions, known as Samsung DeX. Similar to the concept of Microsoft Continuum, Samsung DeX allowed high-end Galaxy devices such as S8/S8+ or Note 8 to connect into a docking station, which extends the device to allow desktop-like functionality by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Samsung also announced "Linux on Galaxy", which allows users to use the standard Linux distribution on the DeX platform.

Previous Samsung Android UI version list

• TouchWiz 3.x (based on Android 2.1 "Éclair" and Android 2.2 "Froyo") (Initial release for Android UI)
• TouchWiz 4.x (based on Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" and Android 3.0 "Honeycomb") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX (based on Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX 2.x (based on Android 4.2 "Jellybean") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX 3.x (based on Android 4.4 "KitKat") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX 4.x (based on Android 5 "Lollipop") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX 5.x (based on Android 5 "Lollipop") (Major UI update)
• TouchWiz Nature UX 6.x (based on Android 6 "Marshmallow") (Minor UI update)
• TouchWiz Grace UX (based on Android 6 "Marshmallow") (Major UI update)
• Samsung Experience 8.x (based on Android 7 "Nougat") (Initial release migrate from TouchWiz)
• Samsung Experience 9.x (based on Android 8 "Oreo") (Minor update)
• Samsung Experience 10.x (based on Android 9 "Pie) (Minor and Last update before redesign One UI)

Current One UI version list

• One UI 1.x (based on Android 9 "Pie") (Initial release)
• One UI 2.x (based on Android 10) (Minor UI update)
• One UI 3.x (based on Android 11) (Minor UI update)
• One UI 4.x (based on Android 12) (Minor UI update)
• One UI 5.x (based on Android 13) (Minor UI update)
• One UI 6.x (based on Android 14) (Major UI update)

Origin OS

Origin OS is a custom user interface developed by Vivo that is based on Android. It is a redesigned skin of Funtouch OS. It is currently only available in China but may someday be released globally.

Current Origin OS version list

• Origin OS 1.0 – based on Android 10 and Android 11 (initial release)
• Origin OS Ocean – based on Android 12
• Origin OS HD – based on Android 12 (currently only used in Vivo Pad)

OxygenOS

OxygenOS is based on the open source Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and is developed by OnePlus to replace Cyanogen OS on OnePlus devices such as the OnePlus One. It is preinstalled on the OnePlus 2, OnePlus X, OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T, and OnePlus 6.^[129] As stated by Oneplus, OxygenOS is focused on stabilizing and maintaining of stock Android functionalities like those found on Nexus devices. It consists of mainly Google apps and minor UI customization to maintain the sleekness of stock Android.

Current OxygenOS version list

• Oxygen OS 1.0.x (based on Android 5.0.x "Lollipop") (initial release)
• Oxygen OS 2.0.x (based on Android 5.1.x "Lollipop") (overall maintenance update)
• Oxygen OS 3.0.x (based on Android 6.0 "Marshmallow") (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 3.1.x (based on Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow") (minor maintenance update)
• Oxygen OS 3.2.x (based on Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow") (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 4.x.x (based on Android 7.x "Nougat") (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 5.x.x (based on Android 8.x "Oreo") (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 9.x.x (based on Android 9 "Pie") (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 10.x.x (based on Android 10) (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 11.x.x (based on Android 11) (major Android update)
• Oxygen OS 12.x.x (based on Android 12) (major Android update)

Pixel UI (Pixel Launcher)

feed integration.

Current Google Pixel Launcher version list

• Pixel Launcher – "7.1.1" (based on Android 7.x "Nougat") (Initial release)
• Pixel Launcher – "8.1.0" (based on Android 8.x "Oreo") (Minor UI update)
• Pixel Launcher – "9.0" (based on Android 9 "Pie") (Minor UI update)
• Pixel Launcher – "10.0" (based on Android 10) (Moderate UI update that support themes)
• Pixel Launcher – "11.0" (based on Android 11) (Minor UI update)
• Pixel Launcher – "12.0" (based on Android 12) (Major UI update)
• Pixel Launcher – "13.0" (based on Android 13) (Minor UI update)
• Pixel Launcher – "14.0" (based on Android 14) (Minor UI update)

realme UI

realme UI is a mobile operating system developed by

, which itself is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The UI mostly resemble its predecessor, but with a custom UI on top of ColorOS to match Realme's target audience.

Current realme UI version list

• realme UI 1.0 – Based on ColorOS 7.0 – Android 10 – Initial Release
• realme UI 2.0 – Based on ColorOS 11.0 – Android 11
• realme UI 3.0 – Based on ColorOS 12.0 – Android 12
• realme UI 4.0 – Based on ColorOS 13.0 – Android 13
• realme UI 5.0 – Based on ColorOS 14.0 – Android 14

realme UI R edition

realme UI R edition is a custom Android skin that Realme developed for their lower-end device line with "C" and Narzo series, the Android-based line of is based on Android Go, hence the overall experience is tune down to allowed for smoother experience on budget Realme devices.

Red Magic OS

Red Magic OS is a mobile operating system developed by ZTE and Nubia for their Red Magic devices.

Current Red Magic OS version list

• Red Magic OS 1.x – based on Android 8 "Oreo", initial release
• Red Magic OS 2.x – based on Android 9 "Pie", redesigned UI
• Red Magic OS 3.x – based on Android 10, redesigned UI
• Red Magic OS 4.x – based on Android 11, redesigned UI
• Red Magic OS 5.x – based on Android 12, redesigned UI

Replicant OS

Replicant is a custom mobile operating system based on the Android with all proprietary drivers and bloated closed-source software removed.

TCL UI

TCL UI is a custom user interface developed by TCL Technology for their in-house smartphone series. The OS is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Current TCL UI version list

• TCL UI 1.x – Based on Android 9 "Pie" and Android 10 – Initial Release
• TCL UI 2.x – Based on Android 10 – Minor UI upgrade
• TCL UI 3.x – Based on Android 11 – Minor UI upgrade
• TCL UI 4.x – Based on Android 12 – Minor UI upgrade

VOS

VOS is a custom Android UI developed by

.

Current VOS version list:

• VOS 1.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7.1, "Oreo" 8
• VOS 2.x – based on Android "Pie" 9
• VOS 3.x – based on Android 10
• VOS 4.x – based on Android 11

XOS

XOS (formerly known as XUI) is an Android-based operating system developed by

the mobile device. The operating system comes with utility applications that allow users to protect their privacy, improve speed, enhance their experience, etc. XOS comes with features like XTheme, Scan to Recharge, Split Screen and XManager.

Current XOS version list:

• XUI 1.x – based on Android "Lollipop" 5, initial release
• XOS 2.x – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6 and "Nougat" 7
• XOS 3.x – based on Android "Nougat" 7 and "Oreo" 8
• XOS 4.x – based on Android "Oreo" 8
• XOS 5.x – based on Android "Pie" 9
• XOS 6.x – based on Android 10
• XOS 7.x – based on Android 10
• XOS 7.6.x – based on Android 11
• XOS 10.x – based on Android 11, redesigned UI
• XOS 10.6.x – based on Android 12, latest update

Xperia UI

Sony Xperia UI (formerly known as Sony Ericsson Timescape UI) was the front-end UI developed by Sony Mobile (formerly Sony Ericsson) in 2010 for their Android-based Sony Xperia series. Sony Xperia UI mostly consisted of Sony's own applications such as Sony Music (formerly known as Walkman Music player), Albums and Video Player. During its time as Timescape UI, the UI differed from the standard Android UI—instead of traditional apps dock on the bottom part, they were located at the four corners of the home screen, while the middle of the screen consisted of the widget. However, recent UI developments more closely resemble those of stock Android.

Current Xperia UI version list:

• Timescape version 1 – based on Android "Eclair" 2.0/2.1, initial release
• Timescape version 2 – based on Android "Gingerbread" 2.3.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 3 – based on Android "Gingerbread" and "Ice Cream Sandwich" 2.3.x and 4.0.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 4 – based on Android "Jelly Bean" 4.2.x – 4.3.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 5 – based on Android "KitKat" 4.4.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 6 – based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0.x – 5.1.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 7 – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.0.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 8 – based on Android "Nougat" 7.x, redesigned UI
• Xperia UI version 9 – based on Android "Oreo" 8.x, redesigned UI

ZenUI

ZenUI is a front-end touch interface developed by

and tablet computers, and is not available for licensing by external parties. ZenUI also comes preloaded with ASUS-made apps like ZenLink (PC Link, Share Link, Party Link & Remote Link).

Current ZenUI version list:

• ZenUI 1.0 – based on Android "Jelly Bean" and "KitKat" 4.3.x and 4.4.x, initial release
• ZenUI 2.0 – based on Android "Lollipop" 5.0.x – 5.1.x, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 3.0 – based on Android "Marshmallow" 6.0.x, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 4.0 – based on Android "Nougat" 7.x, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 5.0 – based on Android "Oreo" 8.x, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 6.0 – based on Android "Pie" 9.0, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 7.0 – based on Android 10, redesigned UI
• ZenUI 8.0 – based on Android 11, redesigned UI

ZUI

ZUI is a custom operating system originally developed by Lenovo subsidiary ZUK Mobile for their smartphones. However, after the shutting down of ZUK Mobile, Lenovo took over as the main developer of ZUI. The operating system is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Current ZUI version list:

• ZUI 1.x – Initial Release
• ZUI 2.x
• ZUI 3.x
• ZUI 4.x
• ZUI 4.x
• ZUI 10.x - Based on Android 9 "Pie"
• ZUI 11.x - Based on Android 9 "Pie" and Android 10
• ZUI 12.x - Based on Android 11
• ZUI 13.x - Based on Android 11

Wear OS

Wear OS (also known simply as Wear and formerly Android Wear) is a version of Google's Android operating system designed for smartwatches and other wearables. By pairing with mobile phones running Android version 6.0 or newer, or iOS version 10.0 or newer with limited support from Google's pairing application, Wear OS integrates Google Assistant technology and mobile notifications into a smartwatch form factor.

In May 2021 at Google I/O, Google announced a major update to the platform, internally known as Wear OS 3.0. It incorporates a new visual design inspired by Android 12, and Fitbit exercise tracking features. Google also announced a partnership with Samsung Electronics, who is collaborating with Google to unify its Tizen-based smartwatch platform with Wear OS, and has committed to using Wear OS on its future smartwatch products. The underlying codebase was also upgraded to Android 11. Wear OS 3.0 will be available to Wear OS devices running Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 system on chip, and will be an opt-in upgrade requiring a factory reset to install.

Current Wear OS version list:

• Android Wear 4.4w (Based on Android 4.4 "KitKat") – (Initially release)
• Android Wear 1.0 – 1.3 (Based on Android 5.0 "Lollipop) – (Minor update)
• Android Wear 1.4 (Based on Android 6.0 "Marshmallow) – (Minor update)
• Android Wear 2.0 – 2.6 (7.1.1W2) (Based on Android 7.1 "Nougat") – (Minor update)
• Android Wear 2.6 (7.1.1W3, 8.0.0 W1) – 2.9 (7.1.1W6, 8.0.0W4) (Baded on Android 8.0 "Oreo") – (Minor update)
• Wear OS 1.0 (Based on Android 8.0 "Oreo") – (Renamed and Minor update)
• Wear OS 2.0 (Based on Android 8.0 "Oreo") – (Minor update)
• Wear OS 2.2 (Based on Android 9.0 "Pie") – (Minor update)
• Wear OS 3.0 (Based on Android 11) – (Major UI and system update)

One UI Watch

One UI Watch is the user interface Samsung developed for their Wear OS based smartwatch, officially announced after both Google and Samsung confirmed they would unify their respective wearable operating systems (Google Wear OS 2.0 and Samsung Tizen) into Wear OS 3.0.

Current One UI Watch version list:

• One UI Watch 3.0 (Based on Wear OS 3.0 – Android 11) (Initial release)

ChromeOS

ChromeOS is an operating system designed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. As a result, ChromeOS primarily supports web applications. Google announced the project in July 2009, conceiving it as an operating system in which both applications and user data reside in the cloud: hence ChromeOS primarily runs web applications.^[130]

Due to increase of popularity with 2-in-1 PCs, most recent Chromebooks are introduced with touch screen capability, with Android applications starting to become available for the operating system in 2014. And in 2016, access to Android apps in the entire

was introduced on supported ChromeOS devices. With the support of Android applications, there are Chromebook devices that are positioned as tablet based instead of notebooks.

ChromeOS is only available pre-installed on hardware from Google manufacturing partners. An open source equivalent,

. Early on, Google provided design goals for ChromeOS, but has not otherwise released a technical description.

Sailfish OS

This article or section may need to be changing this notice to be more specific. (March 2020)