Pine64 FOSDEM 2026 Update
Overview
Pine64 community update from FOSDEM 2026, covering the state of Linux phones, PineNote, PineTab2, PineTime Pro, and the challenges facing the Linux phone ecosystem.
Key News: DRAM shortage halts PineTab2, PineNote, and PinePhone production. PinePhone 2 is "in limbo" due to financial risk and market shifts toward porting cheaper Android devices to Linux.
DRAM Shortage Impact
Current chip shortage affects:
- PineTab 2 - production halted
- PineNote - production halted
- PinePhone - production halted
Unaffected: PineTime, PineBuds, Pinecil, PineVoice
PineTime Pro
New features:
- AMOLED display
- GPS
- Custom chip
- Digital crown with extra button
- Blood oxygen sensor
- Per-component power cutting for better battery life
Discussion ongoing about fundraising approach (device markup vs. service fee).
Where is the PinePhone 2?
Multiple factors keeping PinePhone 2 in limbo:
- Financial riskiness - PineStore determined it's too high
- DRAM shortage
- Community interest shifted to porting cheaper Android devices to Sailfish and PostmarketOS
Potential future components discussed: RK3572/6 SOC, RedCap 5G modem (similar to Quectel EG25-G).
Community Edition Challenges
Creating community edition devices requires:
- New PineStore SKU
- Community agreeing to pay extra cost
- Tax implications reducing developer compensation
- Fund allocation complexity
Significance
This update reflects the challenges facing the Linux phone ecosystem. The shift toward porting Android devices rather than building dedicated Linux phones represents a significant trend in the mobile Linux space.