Android is the most popular mobile operating system, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only choice for device makers. Big-name companies such as Samsung develop and sell the most affordable Android smartphones. There is also the idea of creating an Android OS replacement that is preinstalled with a device and focused on privacy and security. Apostrophy OS aims for just that. It offers Android-like features while giving users more control over their data. This guide covers Apostrophy OS to help you better understand this new mobile operating system.
Apostrophy OS (AphyOS) is a privacy-focused mobile operating system that relies on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and lacks the Google Mobile Service (GMS) package. That means it doesn’t have Google apps, such as the Google Play Store. That also means the usual background tracking services from GMS aren’t present, giving you more privacy over your personal data.
AphyOS uses part of the GrapheneOS codebase for its custom implementation of Android, and, like GrapheneOS, it focuses on privacy and security. But AphyOS looks to make a name for itself by going beyond the typical features of GrapheneOS. For starters, the company behind AphyOS is based out of Switzerland — a country with some of the strictest data privacy laws worldwide. Focusing on net neutrality allows them to gain the trust of their users as a fair and honest mobile OS company.
Currently, AphyOS is not something you can install on any Android-based device. Still a relatively new OS, AphyOS wants to partner with well-known OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to bring it to a larger market worldwide. The idea is to ship entirely new devices preinstalled with AphyOS rather than letting anyone install a custom ROM on an Android-based device.
As an Android OS replacement, landing major OEM partners, selling devices, and shipping products across the globe is no small task. However, AphyOS has already secured some European OEM partners and is looking to fast-track their company’s growth.
Although AphyOS is new and not widely known yet as a household name, it shows signs of a bright future for the mobile operating system. After they overcome the hurdles of becoming a new line of smartphone devices, they can bring their company’s motto of privacy and security to life. We look forward to watching AphyOS grow and will continue to offer updates to this guide if they make announcements for new device markets. Currently, they have only announced partnerships with unspecified European-based device manufacturers.
Maybe if we start telling people the brain is an app they will start using it!
