Pocketblue is a new initiative that ports Fedora Atomic Linux to a limited set of ARM-powered mobile devices, offering an immutable operating system for phones and tablets. The project supports three specific models and focuses on Flatpak-based app delivery. It remains in early development, aimed at experimental users.
The Pocketblue project introduces a version of Fedora Atomic designed for mobile devices, targeting users interested in running an immutable Linux system on their phones and tablets. Announced in a recent article, it provides system images based on Fedora 43, featuring GNOME, Plasma, and Phosh desktop environments. This setup adapts the rpm-ostree-based architecture from desktop Fedora, where updates occur via image upgrades and layered modifications that require a reboot to take effect.
Currently, Pocketblue is compatible only with the Xiaomi Pad 5, Xiaomi Pad 6, and OnePlus 6 or 6T models. Applications are primarily distributed through Flatpak, with support for Flathub and Fedora Flatpak repositories enabled by default. The project maintains its own repository, which includes mobile-optimized builds of Firefox. Users can install apps via GNOME Software, KDE Discover, or the flatpak command-line tool. For those needing traditional package management like DNF, toolbox containers allow installations in isolated environments without altering the core system.
Security features are partially implemented: full disk encryption is not available during initial setup, but users can configure a systemd-homed account with an encrypted home folder. The root filesystem and /var partition remain unencrypted. As the project is in its early stages, it caters mainly to enthusiasts willing to experiment. There is no indication yet of plans to extend support to additional device models. Further details are available on the project's website and GitHub repository.
