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by umanwizard 3130 days ago
In what sense is iOS more closed-source than Android?

My understanding is that both are open to a similar extent: the kernel is open-source; most of the rest of the system isn’t.

I don’t use or work on android so I could be wrong.
2 comments
Veratyr 3130 days ago
Android is _completely_ open source. You can build an entire usable system from scratch yourself: https://source.android.com/setup/

The only closed source stuff is device-specific hardware drivers.

Also, Android the platform is more open than iOS, you can build and install any APK you like and even root your device if you want. iOS restricts you to the app store.

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scott_karana 3130 days ago
Unlike iOS, virtually all of the Android userland, and all of its SDK, is also open source: AOSP is the name of the project containing it all.

IIRC only two major things aren't included: binary blob-only drivers, and proprietary Google apps: Play store, Maps, etc.

Despite those limitations, you can practically just `git clone` and build the entire OS for your device. :-)

https://source.android.com

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