PostmarketOS Bans Generative AI Use, Introduces Generic Kernel Packages

Summary

PostmarketOS, the mobile Linux distribution focused on longevity and open-source principles, has updated its AI policy to explicitly prohibit the use of generative AI tools in its development process. The policy change, which makes the guidelines shorter and easier to understand, reflects the project's commitment to human-centered development and transparency. The announcement was part of the project's February 2026 monthly update.

Alongside the AI policy update, PostmarketOS introduced new generic kernel packages designed to work across a wide variety of devices. The three new packages—linux-postmarketos-mainline, linux-postmarketos-stable, and linux-postmarketos-lts—give the project full control over kernel configuration and build processes, similar to Alpine Linux's approach. This development represents a significant step toward improving device reliability and long-term support.

The project also announced team changes, with Bhushan joining as a Trusted Contributor while Minecrell and Anton stepped down from their TC roles. Both departing contributors have made substantial contributions to the project, including pioneering Android phone and Chromebook support respectively. The Contributor Support Programme participants continued work on various initiatives including immutable postmarketOS, hardware CI improvements, and infrastructure enhancements.

Additionally, PostmarketOS is developing new requirements for devices in its 'main' category to ensure long-term reliability, and has made progress on hardware CI infrastructure, kernel command-line handling, and KDE nightly builds.

• Project advancing hardware CI infrastructure and defining stricter requirements for 'main' device category
• Ongoing work includes improvements to Chromebook support, Android phone compatibility, and kernel configuration systems