Giving GrapheneOS (Open Source) a Try
It's been on my list for a while, but I'm finally getting around to challenging myself to do it: can I ditch my iPhone for a Pixel phone flashed with the open source GrapheneOS? I've done my research, now it's time to put it to the test.
Can I do it?
Go Deeper: GrapheneOS and other open source alternatives to iOS and Android have been around for a while. But like Linux, it's just been hard for people to switch away from legacy operating systems.
Android vs Graphene
My research into this started with Android. What's the difference?
Read the Comparison →
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Graphene Tutorial
My friend Liron has already done a good setup tutorial if you're curious to watch:
GrapheneOS Setup Guide →
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When it privacy feels overwhelming
Hi [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], ok, let me be really honest with you - I've been meaning to do this challenge for about 5 months now. Lock away my iPhone...only use an open source phone.
I've also put it off for 5 months.
Yes, I value privacy and security; and yes, I feel like I have a certain expectation to live up to with this All Things Secured channel.
But this whole switch to a new mobile ecosystem is daunting!
I'm a ways into the process now, and here's what I've learned so far:
- It's all about control: what I find so unique about using a privacy-first mobile phone is the amount of granular control I have over everything - global settings all the way down to individual app permissions. If you thought iOS or Android gave you too many settings options, GrapheneOS is on a different level.
- Some things don't work: You'll see this when I publish a video later about my experience, but the fact that I can't open any banking app on my phone is both a blessing and a curse. I also can't tap to pay, which sucks.
- It makes me want to do more: I use a separate password manager, not Apple Keychain. I use a separate email provider, not Apple mail. I use a separate cloud provider, not iCloud. All of this is huge when trying to make a switch away from a particular ecosystem. The big one that is killing me right now: iMessage.
Ok, so here's where I would like to ask for some help. For those of you who are more familiar with Android or GrapheneOS than I am, I'd love for you to check out this comparison I did on the website.
Is my research correct? Am I missing anything?
The more feedback I can get on it, the better all the future content will be that I'm creating around these open source operating systems. Thanks!
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DeleteMe (20% off)
Removing your personal info off the internet is hard work. Over the past few years, I've saved 75 hours of my time by handing this work over to DeleteMe. That's over 3 full days of my life - and they do a better job than I could!
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This Week in Privacy News
Security vulnerabilities in smartwatches and fitness apps, such as Strava and COROS, have been found to leak sensitive information, including the movements of high-profile individuals like the Swedish PM’s security detail. This raises concerns about the privacy risks of wearable tech.
--> AOL.com/news/swedish-bodyguards-fitness-app-data-134231452.html
Google was ordered to pay $314 million for secretly using mobile data while devices were idle, with phones sending over 900 background transfers daily. Not really a surprise, but this highlights the unauthorized data collection practices and their impact on user privacy.
--> Reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-hit-with-314-million-us-verdict-cellular-data-class-action-2025-07-01/
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against General Motors over allegations they collected, used, and sold drivers’ precise geolocation data and driving behavior information from millions of vehicles—data that can be used to set insurance rates—without adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their affirmative consent.
--> ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-takes-action-against-general-motors-sharing-drivers-precise-location-driving-behavior-data
Got any advice?
As I continue to test out GrapheneOS this month, I'm open to any thoughts or advice you have, especially if you've done this yourself.
What was your favorite setting? Or biggest surprise?
Reply to this email with any thoughts - thanks in advance!
✌️
Josh
