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Flipper One: A New Open Linux Cyberdeck for Hackers and Makers
Flipper Devices has officially unveiled the Flipper One, a radically open Linux cyberdeck that reimagines what a portable ARM computer can be. Unlike its predecessor the Flipper Zero—a microcontroller-based multi-tool for offline protocols—the Flipper One is a full Linux platform designed for IP networking, software-defined radio (SDR), edge AI, and high-speed expansion. Announced on May 21, 2026, the project is still in early development, and the company is asking the community for help to bring it to life. The Flipper One aims to be the most open and best-documented ARM computer ever built, with full mainline Linux kernel support and zero proprietary binary blobs.
What is the Flipper One?
The Flipper One is not an upgrade to the Flipper Zero—it is a completely different device category. While the Zero operates at Layer 0 (offline point-to-point protocols like NFC, RFID, Sub-1 GHz, and infrared), the One targets Layer 1 and above: everything IP-connected. It is a pocket-sized Linux cyberdeck with a co-processor architecture, M.2 expansion, and a focus on networking, AI, and modular hardware. The device is designed to serve as a router, VPN gateway, network analyzer, SDR platform, media box, and even a survival desktop—all in one open-source package.
Hardware Specifications and Co-Processor Architecture
Dual-Processor Design
One of the most innovative aspects of the Flipper One is its co-processor architecture. It pairs a high-performance Rockchip RK3576 SoC (4x Cortex-A72 @ 2.2 GHz + 4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz) with a low-power Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller. The RK3576 runs Linux and handles compute-intensive tasks, while the RP2350 manages the display, buttons, touchpad, LEDs, and power subsystem—even when Linux is powered off. This means the device remains responsive and configurable at all times, unlike most single-board computers that become inert when the OS is down.
Memory, Storage, and Connectivity
The Flipper One comes with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 64 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. For networking, it packs two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6E (2.4/5/6 GHz) based on the MediaTek MT7921AUN chipset with monitor mode support, Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB-C port that supports 5 Gbps Ethernet emulation (USB-CDC NCM) and DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output. An optional 5G/LTE cellular modem can be added via the M.2 slot.
M.2 Expansion and GPIO
The device features a Key-B M.2 slot supporting sizes 2242, 3042, and 3052 (up to D3 thickness). It exposes PCI Express 2.1 x1, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, SATA3, UART, I2C, and a SIM card interface. This allows users to plug in SDR modules, NVMe SSDs, AI accelerators, cellular modems, or satellite NTN modems. Additionally, a GPIO connector with standard 2.54 mm pitch headers enables simple DIY modules, with threaded inserts and snap-fit notches for secure mounting.
Similar to the Raspberry Pi alternative devices on the market, the Flipper One emphasizes modularity and open design. The company has released 3D models of the enclosure parts so the community can design custom back plates and antenna rails.
Software: Flipper OS and FlipCTL
Flipper OS: Profile-Based Linux
Flipper OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution that introduces a novel profile system. Instead of re-flashing an SD card for each new use case, users can create, clone, reset, and switch between full OS snapshots (profiles). Each profile contains preconfigured packages, settings, and containers. Official built-in profiles include Minimal system, Wi-Fi router, TV media box, Network sniffer, and Desktop computer. This system eliminates the configuration clutter that plagues traditional SBC setups and makes the Flipper One a true multi-tool.
FlipCTL: UI for Tiny Screens
FlipCTL is a menu-based UI framework designed for small LCD screens (the Flipper One has a 1.4-inch grayscale display). It wraps common Linux CLI utilities like ping, nmap, and traceroute in a clean, navigable interface controlled by a D-pad and buttons. The long-term goal is to make FlipCTL available as a simple apt install flipctl command for any embedded Linux device, enabling headless boards to gain a human-machine interface without dragging in full desktop environments.
Open Source Commitment and Collabora Partnership
Flipper Devices has partnered with Collabora to upstream full support for the Rockchip RK3576 SoC into the mainline Linux kernel. This means users will be able to download the kernel directly from kernel.org and run it on the Flipper One without any vendor patches or proprietary board support packages. Currently, most major components are working in mainline, but the DDR trainer (RAM initialization blob) remains the last binary blob in the boot chain. The company is actively asking the community to help convince Rockchip to open-source this component.
Experts in open source hardware development have praised the approach. "Flipper's commitment to mainline Linux and open documentation sets a new standard for consumer ARM devices," said a Collabora engineer in a blog post.
Developer Portal and Community Involvement
The Flipper One Developer Portal is a public wiki where the company shares task trackers, internal discussions, half-finished docs, and architectural debates. The project is divided into sub-projects: Hardware, Mechanics, Linux Software, MCU Firmware, User Interface, Docs, and Testing. Each sub-project has a task tracker with help wanted labels. Anyone can contribute—whether by writing code, testing hardware, designing enclosures, or simply providing feedback. Flipper Devices is also hiring a Developer Portal & Community Manager to bridge the gap between the dev team and the community.
Satellite NTN and Local AI
The Flipper One plans to support NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite modems via its M.2 slot, enabling communication with satellites using standard 5G/LTE cellular protocols. The company is seeking a partner like Skylo to integrate this capability. Additionally, the built-in NPU (6 TOPS) allows running local LLMs without an internet connection—useful for generating configs and troubleshooting in the field. The NPU support in mainline Linux is still a work in progress, and community help is welcome.
Pricing, Availability, and Risks
Flipper Devices aims to keep the base price under $350, but no release date has been set. The project is currently in the EVT (Engineering Validation Test) prototype phase. Founder Pavel Zhovner has been candid about the challenges: "There's a lot of uncertainty in this project, along with technical challenges and financial risks (like the current RAM chip crisis)." The global DRAM shortage, driven by AI data center demand, has impacted component costs significantly. The company has not yet announced whether it will use crowdfunding or traditional retail channels.
For those following cyberdeck and portable Linux builds, the Flipper One represents a bold step forward. Whether it ships depends on the community's ability to help solve technical and supply-chain hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Flipper One?
The Flipper One is an open Linux cyberdeck and portable ARM computer designed for networking, SDR, AI, and hardware hacking. It features a Rockchip RK3576 processor, 8 GB RAM, M.2 expansion, dual Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and a co-processor architecture.
How is Flipper One different from Flipper Zero?
The Flipper Zero is a microcontroller-based device for offline protocols (NFC, RFID, Sub-GHz). The Flipper One is a full Linux computer for IP networking, high-speed expansion, and edge AI. They are complementary, not replacements.
When will the Flipper One be released?
No release date has been announced. The device is in early prototype stage, and the company is seeking community help to finalize software and hardware. Pricing is targeted under $350.
Can I contribute to the Flipper One project?
Yes. The Developer Portal at docs.flipper.net/one contains task trackers, documentation, and contribution guides for all sub-projects. Anyone can join regardless of skill level.
Will the Flipper One run mainline Linux?
Yes. Flipper Devices has partnered with Collabora to upstream all RK3576 drivers. The goal is full mainline kernel support with no proprietary blobs or vendor patches.
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