Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to install APK on Ubuntu Touch? Well, the answer is a bit complicated. Let’s dive into it.
What is Ubuntu Touch?
Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system developed by Canonical. It’s based on the Linux kernel and designed to work on smartphones and tablets. The main goal of Ubuntu Touch is to provide a seamless experience between different devices, allowing users to switch between them without any hassle.
What is an APK File?
An APK (Android Package Kit) file is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps and middleware. It contains all the resources and code needed for an app to run on an Android device.
Can I Install APK on Ubuntu Touch?
The short answer is no, you can’t install APK files directly on Ubuntu Touch. The reason for this is that Ubuntu Touch uses a different package format called click packages. Click packages are similar to APK files in that they contain all the necessary resources and code for an app to run, but they are specifically designed for use with Ubuntu Touch.
However, there are ways around this limitation. One option is to use Anbox, which stands for Android in a Box. Anbox allows you to run Android apps on your Ubuntu desktop or phone by creating a container that emulates an Android environment.
How to Install Anbox on Ubuntu Touch
Before we can install Anbox, we need to make sure our device meets the following requirements:
- Your device must be running at least version 16 of Ubuntu Touch
- Your device must support snaps
- You must be logged in as root
Once we’ve confirmed these requirements are met, we can proceed with installing Anbox using the following steps:
- Open the Terminal app on your Ubuntu Touch device
- Type the following command and press Enter: sudo snap install –devmode –beta anbox
- Wait for the installation to complete
- Type the following command and press Enter: anbox.appmgr
- The Anbox Application Manager should now open, allowing you to search for and install Android apps
Conclusion
While it’s not possible to install APK files directly on Ubuntu Touch, there are ways to work around this limitation. Anbox provides a way to run Android apps on your Ubuntu device, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. With a bit of tinkering, you can get your favorite Android apps up and running on Ubuntu Touch in no time.