HakiOS Project Advances Darwin Kernel Integration on Android Hardware

Overview of HakiOS

HakiOS is an independent, open-source research initiative aimed at porting Apple’s Darwin XNU kernel to Android-based mobile devices. Unlike a standard ROM, the project functions as a research bench that operates from device RAM, ensuring that a simple reboot restores the phone's native Android environment. The project explicitly states that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.

Performance Milestones

As of November 4, 2026, the development team has reported progress in rendering performance on the POCO X5 Pro 5G, utilizing the Adreno 642L GPU:

• Metal Integration: The team has successfully implemented Metal rendering on the Adreno GPU.
• Frame Rates: Testing with `hakios-metal` achieved 110–115 fps for page swipes and 118 fps for scrolling in Settings. Performance drops to approximately 90 fps when running at the full 1125x2436 resolution.
• Comparison: Preliminary tests comparing 'hakios-metal' against 'UniXNU’s Metal on Vulkan' show significantly higher frame rates for the former, though hitting the panel's native 120 Hz refresh rate remains an ongoing goal.

Usage and Compliance

The repository provides the kernel and necessary framework but does not distribute Apple’s proprietary software. Users are responsible for providing their own Darwin user space sourced from personal IPSW files and their own device firmware. The project does not support Apple services, such as iCloud, Apple ID, or the App Store.

Project files are distributed under the Apple Public Source License 2.0 (APSL) and MIT licenses. For those interested in exploring the architecture, documentation is available via the project’s GitHub repository and the dedicated hackios-web site. Users should review the `LEGAL.md` and `COMPLIANCE.md` files in the repository for detailed information regarding third-party components and distribution policies.