What LineageOS does

LineageOS is a community-driven, open-source Android operating system distribution founded in December 2016 by former CyanogenMod contributors and operated by The LineageOS Project through LineageOS LLC, a non-501(c)(3) entity based in Seattle, Washington. The product is a free custom ROM built on Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP) that ships monthly security updates and extends the usable life of more than 100 devices across over 20 manufacturers, including Google Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, and LG. Its distinguishing technical layer includes a proprietary app suite (Trebuchet launcher, Twelve music player, Updater, Deskclock, ExactCalculator, LockClock), the Trust security status feature, a Material Expressive design implementation, the LineageSDK for third-party developers, and a browser-based Lineage Flash Tools utility using WebUSB.

The product is distributed exclusively through a self-serve, direct-to-consumer model: users download builds from download.lineageos.org and follow wiki documentation to install, with no resellers, no pricing, and no contractual relationship with end users. The project targets three overlapping segments: Android power users and enthusiasts who want customization and de-bloated firmware; users whose devices are no longer supported by OEMs and who want continued OS updates; and Android developers who use LineageOS as a development platform or contribute upstream. Revenue mechanics are limited to voluntary donations through PayPal and Patreon, with the project explicitly noting that contributions are not tax-deductible.

Operationally, LineageOS is governed by an appointed board of directors (currently nine, including newly elected Nolen Johnson) and a large global volunteer contributor base that submits code through Gerrit, translates the ROM via Crowdin, and provides peer support on Reddit, Discord, and IRC. The project adopted a six-month release cadence in 2026 aligned with Google's AOSP schedule while retaining monthly security bulletins, and continues to sunset older branches (LineageOS 18.1 in March 2024) as it advances through the Android 16-based 23.x line.

Name

LineageOS

Legal name

The LineageOS Project / LineageOS LLC

Website

https://lineageos.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LineageOS is a free, community-driven open-source Android operating system distribution that provides monthly security updates and extended device longevity for over 100 devices across 20+ manufacturers, serving power users, developers, and owners of discontinued devices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Operating Systems

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobile Operating Systems & Firmware (Android forks, OEM UI, Feature Phone OS) (CRACALAE)

Keywords

• Open source android
• Custom rom distribution
• Mobile operating system
• Android firmware
• Device firmware support

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Donations and Crowdfunding: LineageOS accepts donations through PayPal (paypal.me/LineageOS) and Patreon (patreon.com/LineageOS). The organization explicitly states that LineageOS LLC is not a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so donations are not tax-exempt.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LineageOS develops and distributes a free, open-source mobile operating system based on Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It provides custom ROM builds, monthly security updates, and extended device lifecycle support for over 100 devices from 20+ manufacturers. The offering includes the LineageOS Recovery, LineageSDK developer tools, and a suite of open-source core apps.

Product overview

LineageOS is a single unified product: a free and open-source Android operating system distribution that serves as a direct replacement for factory Android firmware. The offering centers on the LineageOS ROM itself, which provides extended device longevity with monthly security updates. The ecosystem includes LineageOS Recovery for installation and updates, the LineageSDK for developers building compatible apps, and Lineage Flash Tools for browser-based installation. Default built-in applications include Trebuchet (launcher), Twelve (music player), Updater (update management), Deskclock, and ExactCalculator. The Trust feature provides security status monitoring. LineageOS supports over 100 devices from more than 20 manufacturers and has adopted a six-month release cadence with Android version updates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LineageOS
• LineageOS Recovery
• LineageSDK
• Lineage Flash Tools
• LineageOS 23.0
• LineageOS 23.2

Quantifiable outcome

• Monthly security updates delivered to all supported devices regardless of OEM support status
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GrapheneOS: Privacy and security-hardened Android-based custom ROM. Direct competitor in the de-Googled Android OS space, focused on Pixel devices with a stronger security model than LineageOS.
• DivestOS: Privacy and security-focused Android custom ROM forked from LineageOS. Direct competitor for privacy-conscious users on older or discontinued devices.
• Resurrection Remix OS: Custom Android ROM that historically forked from LineageOS with heavy customization focus. Direct competitor in the custom ROM space with overlapping device support.
• crDroid: Custom Android ROM derived from LineageOS with additional features and UI customizations. Closely related codebase and direct alternative for users wanting a LineageOS-like experience.
• OmniROM: Long-standing open-source Android custom ROM project supporting multiple devices. Direct competitor in the custom ROM space with overlapping maintainer and user communities.
• https://status.lineageos.org/e/OS: De-Googled Android-based operating system from the e Foundation, available across many devices. A direct alternative to LineageOS targeting privacy-conscious consumers and offering its own device ecosystem (Murena phones).
• PixelExperience: Custom Android ROM aiming to deliver a stock Pixel-like experience with added features across many devices. Competes with LineageOS for users wanting extended device support.
• CalyxOS: Non-profit custom Android ROM focused on privacy and security, primarily for Pixel devices. Competes directly for users seeking an alternative to stock Android firmware.

Emerging players

• Murena (e Foundation): Commercial arm of the e Foundation selling de-Googled smartphones preloaded with /e/OS. Emerges as a hybrid hardware/software competitor adjacent to LineageOS's distribution model, offering an out-of-the-box alternative.

Broad incumbents

• Android Open Source Project (AOSP): Google's open-source Android base that LineageOS builds upon. The upstream incumbent whose release cadence, policies, and licensing decisions directly shape LineageOS's product roadmap and constraints.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/LineageOS
• Xx.com/lineageandroid

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LineageOS