Emir BardakçıThe UBports Foundation has officially released Ubuntu Touch OTA-9, a significant mobile system update based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal) that brings enhanced compatibility for multiple Xiaomi devices.
This community-driven initiative represents a major step forward in alternative mobile operating systems, with Xiaomi Poco M2 Pro and Redmi Note 9 series among the newly supported devices.
The update introduces crucial improvements including optimized VoLTE support, upgraded Waydroid functionality, and modernized emoji rendering through Noto Color Emoji integration. Ubuntu Touch continues to expand its device compatibility, offering users an open-source alternative to traditional Android and iOS ecosystems.
The inclusion of multiple Xiaomi models demonstrates the growing recognition of Xiaomi’s hardware quality among alternative OS communities, providing enthusiasts with additional customization options beyond HyperOS.
Xiaomi Device Compatibility
Ubuntu Touch OTA-9 brings official support for five popular Xiaomi models, expanding the ecosystem’s reach into the mainstream smartphone market. These devices now offer users the flexibility to experience a full Linux-based mobile operating system.
Supported Xiaomi models include:
- Poco M2 Pro
- Poco X3 NFC / X3
- Redmi Note 9 Pro / Pro Max / 9S
- Redmi 9
- Redmi 9 Prime
Enhanced VoLTE and Communication
The OTA-9 update significantly improves VoLTE (Voice over LTE) support, enabling “out-of-the-box” functionality across more carrier networks. This enhancement ensures better call quality and network compatibility for supported devices, though testing remains limited to select Volla devices with experimental support on other models.
Android App Compatibility Boost
Waydroid has been upgraded to version 1.5.1, providing a robust container solution for running Android applications within Ubuntu Touch. This upgrade establishes the foundation for upcoming Android 13 official image support, significantly expanding app compatibility and user functionality.
System Improvements and Updates
Ubuntu Touch OTA-9 replaces the default Emoji One font with Noto Color Emoji, offering better support for recently released emojis and broader character coverage. The update includes comprehensive bug fixes and security patches from both Ubuntu upstream and UBports repositories.
Existing users receive automatic updates through the built-in system interface, while new users can access installation guides at devices.ubuntu-touch.io for their specific devices.
Source: ITHome
