Is there a smartphone without Android or iOS?

Yes. SCYLAR One runs ScylarOS, a smartphone operating system of its own from Alpha Management GmbH in Iserlohn, Germany – neither Android nor iOS. Phone, Messages, Calendar, Camera and a built-in AI are in-house apps; in the current beta, however, many well-known apps, for example for banking or copy-protected streaming, do not run or run only in part.

As of 1 November 2026

What “without Android or iOS” means

ScylarOS is the third choice next to iOS and Android. The interface, more than twenty in-house apps, the AI, the store and the services are developed by us. Basic building blocks such as the kernel and device drivers come from open-source projects – we say so openly; licences and the source code offer are in the device's legal notices.

The services for account, backup, store and updates run on our own servers in Germany. There is no advertising tracking and no data goes to ad networks. More: What is ScylarOS?

What works

In-house apps: Phone, Messages, Calendar, Camera, Gallery, Calculator, Search, Settings, Store, Moving, Shopping, Routines and more.
Your AI: makes calls, writes messages, adds appointments, finds files and handles tasks in the built-in apps. You give it its name. More about your AI
More apps if you want them: the optional Scylar app extension runs additional apps from a free app catalogue in a separate, sealed-off area. It is off by default.
Updates: come as a download from our update server and are only installed once you agree – for 5 years from delivery.

What doesn't work (yet)

Many well-known apps that rely on manufacturer services – banking, payments, copy-protected streaming – do not run or run only in part.
Contactless payment via NFC is not available yet.
4G calling (VoLTE) is not guaranteed with every carrier.
On emergency calls, your location is not yet sent to the control centre automatically.

If you depend on a particular app, ask us before you buy: support@scylaros.com.

Which device does ScylarOS run on?

ScylarOS is available on SCYLAR One: a new Fairphone 5 that we set up with ScylarOS. €849 including VAT, no subscription. Fairphone makes the device and has nothing to do with ScylarOS. With ScylarOS the device no longer receives system updates from Fairphone – we deliver the updates. To buy: SCYLAR One in the shop (German).

A factual comparison of the systems: ScylarOS, Android, iOS compared.

Frequently asked questions

Is ScylarOS Android?

No. ScylarOS is an operating system of its own, neither Android nor iOS. Basic building blocks such as the kernel and device drivers come from open-source projects.

Will the apps from my old phone run?

Not automatically. ScylarOS comes with its own apps; additional apps from a free app catalogue run via the optional Scylar app extension. Many well-known apps, for example for banking, do not run or run only in part.

Do I need an account?

Yes. A Scylar ID is required. It links setup, backup and your next device.

Can I pay contactless with SCYLAR One?

Not yet. NFC and contactless payment are not available in the beta.

All questions in the guide ScylarOS Your AI Compare SCYLAR One in the shop (German)