THe Kompakt runs a version of Android 12, with no plans to update to a newer Android version (unless I am mistaken?). This opens up a whole load of security issues for me I think. Including:
End-of-Life Base OS: Android 12 no longer receives mainline security patches or vulnerability updates from Google.
Lack of Transparency on Backported Patches: While Mudita applies custom patches selectively via MuditaOS updates, there is a lack of clear documentation on whether all critical vulnerabilities in the underlying Android 12 AOSP vendor layers are actively being backported and fixed.
Sideloading & APK Risks: Users enabling advanced features or sideloading apps face heightened exposure due to the lack of modern Android sandbox protections and current security bulletins.
App Compatibility Lifecycle: Relying on an older Android framework means third-party apps will progressively drop support, potentially forcing users onto unmaintained application versions.
The title of this post is misleading, since you are referring to Mudita K OS, not to KompaktOS. Maybe you can correct it, otherwise many users will be confused.
With all due respect, this has been discussed many, many times here already. Try searching the forum using the term ‘security’ and you’ll see what I mean. Feel free to add additional terms such as Android 12, AOSP, etc to further refine the results. It has been addressed in depth by people much more knowledgeable than myself including high level Mudita folk.
Ultimately, there is no simple or one size fits all answer to your questions really as it depends mostly on your threat model. It seems like lot of people, myself included, chose to use it strictly as a communication device and opt to use financial and other sensitive apps only on a separate device such as laptop, tablet, or extra smartphone.
@guinnsquirrel We understand that security and long-term app compatibility are reasonable concerns, especially if you use Mudita Kompakt for more than its built-in functions.
We’ve discussed these questions in earlier threads, (so I’ll link all the applicable ones here), but it’s worth clarifying our position here as well. As our Managing Director previously explained, we do not plan to change the Android 12 foundation of MuditaOS K. We understand that this matters when deciding whether Mudita Kompakt meets your needs.
Here’s his full reply for all those who may not have had a chance to read it in full:
Our update changelogs list the security patches applied in each release and explain why we do not publish certain technical details. Those changelogs are the reference for what has been addressed in a particular update.
Regarding sideloading, we have advised users from the beginning to exercise caution when downloading and installing APKs from external sources. The source of an APK, the permissions it requests, and whether its developer continues to maintain it all matter. Making sideloading available doesn’t mean we can guarantee the security or compatibility of third-party apps.
That said, Mudita Kompakt was designed as a minimalist phone. We recognize that some users need additional functionality, and we want to give them flexibility to adapt the device to their lives. Installing third-party apps also introduces risks and dependencies that users need to consider alongside that flexibility. App developers may eventually stop supporting older Android versions, and we cannot guarantee continued compatibility.