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Remember Ubuntu for Android? It’s not dead, but it’s in limbo
July 31, 2025
In early 2012, Canonical took its first dive into the world of mobile computing by introducing an ambitious effort called “Ubuntu for Android”. This project’s goal was simple: it was about merging the mobility of Android with the desktop-functionality of Ubuntu Linux.
Basically, this meant that Android devices running Ubuntu for Android would still work the same as always when on-the-go. When these users needed a more traditional desktop experience, however, they could hook their phone to a monitor and keyboard and their Android handsets would instantly turn into full-fledged Ubuntu computers.
The Ubuntu on Android project had a ton of potential, but it was more than likely never meant to be a major area of focus for the company, and instead was simply a way to ‘break in’ to the market. In January of 2013 Canonical revealed they were expanding theirmobile efforts beyond just letting Ubuntu co-exist with Android. Instead, Canonical announced what is often referred to as Ubuntu Touch.
The big difference between Ubuntu for Android and Ubuntu Touch is that the latter is designed to run as a replacement to other mobile OSes like Android, while the former was meant to compliment an existing Android installation.
It still remains unseen whether or not Ubuntu Touch can establish itself as a real alternative to Android, iOS and Windows Phone, but we have to wonder: what ever happened to Ubuntu for Android? According to arecent bug report, the project is more or less listed as dead with Canonical’s Matthew Paul Thomas stating the following:
So does that mean the project is done for good? Yes and no. Reaching out to Canonical, we learned that while the project is no longer in active development, it’s not necessarily dead either. Here’s their official statement on the matter:
Bottom-line, Canonical feels that Ubuntu for Phones (and tablets) should currently be their priority, but they are open to working with any potential partners that wish to continue pushing the U4A initiative further.
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