Alternative Smartphone Platforms Gain Popularity

In 2025, Jolla has launched the new Jolla Phone, which operates on the Sailfish OS platform, one of the few alternatives to Android and iOS. The phone features enthusiast-friendly options, including a microSD card slot, a removable battery, and a notification LED.

According to a survey conducted by Android Authority, over 2,300 readers participated, with approximately 54% expressing interest in trying a Sailfish OS phone before purchasing it. Additionally, around 32% of respondents indicated they would definitely buy a Sailfish OS phone, while only about 14% stated they would not consider such a device.

This indicates a strong appetite for alternatives to the dominant Android and iOS ecosystems. However, the market has seen several past failures with alternative platforms such as BlackBerry 10, Windows Phone, and Ubuntu Touch.

Despite this history, options like Sailfish OS, HUAWEIs HarmonyOS, and Android forks such as GrapheneOS suggest a potential for diversification in the smartphone market.