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While some people have gotten Linux to boot on old iPhones, I don't think it's anywhere close to being a Raspberry Pi replacement at this point.

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Can you elaborate on why? If both devices run the same OS wouldn't it just come down to hardware needs?

I ask because I'm seriously considering trying with an iPhone 12 but wonder if something glaring will get in the way or make it not ideal.

The hardware support isn’t there. The iPhone is not an open platform, so it will take a long time before there is anything worthwhile. Apple moving to their new chips on the desktop helps, but it will be a long road, and it’s questionable how much of that development will make its way back to old iPhones.

Unless you’re interested in joining a community trying to develop Linux on the iPhone, it’s really not worth it. There are thousands of better ways to go.

Yeah I generally agree - kinda like the Hackintosh days. Aside from novelty, it ended up being better to just build what you need from scratch for a lot cheaper, and with better support.

Thanks!

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