Jolla’s New Sailfish OS Linux Phone: 5-Year Updates, Removable Battery, No Google

Jolla, the Finnish company behind Sailfish OS, has opened pre-orders for its next-generation Linux phone aimed at privacy-conscious users in Europe. In the beginning, it was stated that Production only starts if at least 2,000 supporters commit to the device by January 4, 2026. Which makes it feel more like a community-backed hardware project than a typical phone launch.

How Pre-Orders and Pricing Work

You can reserve this Linux phone with a fully refundable 99€ commitment if you live in the EU, UK, Switzerland, or Norway. Early backers get a launch price of 499€, which sits below the expected final retail range of 599€ to 699€.

According to the website, users can expect deliveries by the end of the first half of 2026 if the campaign hits its target. This conditional approach lowers risk for both Jolla and buyers while still giving the project a clear timeline.

Sailfish OS 5 and Privacy Focus

You can look at Sailfish OS 5 as the heart of Jolla’s pitch. It is a Linux-based mobile operating system built around privacy, no tracking, and no unsolicited telemetry.

We also get to toggle a configurable hardware privacy switch to shut down components like the microphone, Bluetooth. And even the Android compatibility layer, when you do not want it active. This hardware-level control separates it from many mainstream Android phones that rely only on software toggles.

App Support: Native and Android

Although you can still run your usual apps, despite this being a Linux phone. Sailfish OS supports native Sailfish applications and also runs Android apps through Jolla’s Android app support system.

You can use this dual approach to keep critical apps while avoiding full lock-in to Google services. It is not a pure Android replacement for everyone, yet it offers a path for users who want more control without giving up essential apps.

Community-Defined Hardware Specs

It’s impressive to see how deeply the community shaped this device in the final hardware list. Sailfish users voted on key specs and design elements before engineering even started, so the phone reflects what that user base actually wanted.

As per the official website, we can expect a 6.36‑inch Full HD AMOLED display, 12 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage with microSD expansion, all powered by a high-performance 5G MediaTek platform. That combination targets smooth daily use with enough headroom for multitasking and long-term performance.

Cameras, Battery, and Connectivity

Overall, this looks like a well-rounded daily driver on the hardware side. The phone includes a 50 MP main camera, dual nano SIM support, Wi‑Fi 6, NFC, and a fingerprint reader for secure unlock.

Moreover, we can also swap the user-replaceable 5,500 mAh battery, which is rare in modern phones. This choice alone speaks to the goal of extending the usable life of the device instead of pushing yearly upgrades.

Longevity and Repairability Promise

Also, it was surprising to see Jolla’s stated commitment to longevity. Especially if you worry about phones aging quickly. The company guarantees at least 5 years of OS updates, along with spare parts availability.

The good news is that we can buy replacement back covers and batteries during that period. So Hardware wear does not immediately push you toward a new phone. It fits the broader idea of sustainable, repairable electronics that last longer than typical upgrade cycles.

Design and Customization

You can still see the Scandinavian influence on the new model’s design. The phone keeps a clean, minimal look that echoes the original 2013 Jolla phone while updating the overall hardware.

The company will offer user-replaceable rear covers in Snow White, Kamos Black, and Orange, adding a bit of personality. Each pre-order includes a special edition back cover as a thank-you to early supporters, which also makes the launch batch feel more collectible.

An Independent Alternative to Big Ecosystems

You can look at this device as a deliberate alternative to mainstream smartphone ecosystems. Jolla highlights that its software stack is independent of Google and other large vendors, which appeals to users who value digital sovereignty.

You can see early traction already, as the campaign has already passed its 2,000-unit goal with several weeks remaining. And since the target has been reached, Jolla will lock in manufacturing, publish the complete hardware specification, and then collect final payment.

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