Apple considered Linux for the iPhone

Wired has the scoop on what could have been the sexiest Linux device of all time: Apple's iPhone.

Given Linux's momentum in embedded devices, Linux actually makes a lot of sense as an operating platform for the iPhone. I was involved in building the first Linux-based smartphone, the Sharp Zaurus, and Linux has only expanded in embedded devices since then.

But Wired makes a good (and very funny) suggestion as to how Not-Invented-Here-Jobs must have reacted to the idea of Linux:

In fact, I like to imagine the scene: Fadell mentions the "L" word. Jobs' eye twitches, the flinch almost imperceptible. He motions Fadell to continue and, a few moments later, stands up casually, apparently to stretch his legs. Then, suddenly, a folding chair is in Jobs' hands, swinging wildly towards Fadell's corner of the room. Jobs smashes the entire presentation - hardware prototypes and all - and screams at Fadell to "Get the **** out. Get out now!"

Classic, and quite possibly true.

Just as Apple used BSD software at the heart of its OS X operating system, it could easily have used Linux. The difference, of course, is that while Linux would have provided the technical quality Apple sought, its licensing would have been a non-starter. With Linux (and its GPL license), Apple would have had to make its modifications/derivative works open source, which the liberal BSD license does not require.

I doubt the conversation ever would have moved beyond that point. Apple does contribute to various open-source communities, but the core "secret sauce" for one of its biggest products ever? Not going to happen.

[Mr. Dee]

The little I know of Steve Jobs acknowledgment of Linux is that he does not hate it. I remember when he demoed Mac OS X with AQUA to the public for the first time at WWDC 2000 he mentioned that OS X is a lot like Linux and Unix sharing the same level robustness and scalability. So, even if Fadell did mention using Linux, it would not cause any conflict. Has Jobs campaigned to get rid of the Quick Payment Pocket PC devices used at Apple stores? Has he worked tirelessly to get rid of Microsoft Office off the Mac platform? Yes, he is Mr. Apple, but that doesn't he is not open to suggestions and has an open mind.

[chonnom]

I'd be happy with flash support and true bluetooth functionality.....

[jrepenning]

The article also says it would have been "an iPod that makes phone calls,"which would have been a long way from "the sexiest Linux device of all time." Maybe Fadell lost due more to lack of vision, than to openness.