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An overview of Qualcomm Linux (QLI) — a purpose-built embedded Linux platform optimized for Qualcomm hardware.

Qualcomm Linux (QLI) is an embedded Linux distribution purpose-built and optimized for Qualcomm silicon. It provides a curated, validated software stack that spans from the bootloader through the kernel and into userspace, enabling developers to build production-grade embedded and edge AI applications on Qualcomm hardware.
For the official product page and latest release announcements, visit the Qualcomm Linux product page.

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What Does Qualcomm Linux Include?

Qualcomm Linux is not just a kernel — it is a complete, vertically integrated software platform:

Bootloader & UEFI

A validated boot chain including ROM, UEFI firmware, and device tree configurations tuned for Qualcomm SoCs.

Linux Kernel

A Qualcomm-maintained kernel with upstream contributions, hardware enablement patches, and driver support for Qualcomm peripherals.

Yocto-Based Userspace

A Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded-based build system with Qualcomm-specific layers, recipes, and machine configurations.

Hardware Acceleration

Pre-integrated support for Qualcomm AI Engine, GPU, DSP, and multimedia hardware acceleration frameworks.

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Key Characteristics

  • Validated end-to-end — Every component is tested together on Qualcomm reference hardware (EVKs), reducing integration risk.
  • Yocto-based — Built on the industry-standard Yocto Project, giving developers access to thousands of open-source recipes and a familiar build system.
  • Production-oriented — Designed with a path from prototype to production, including support for custom BSPs and OEM layers.
  • Qualcomm hardware-aware — Includes drivers, firmware, and configuration for Qualcomm-specific IP blocks that are not available in generic distributions.

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Get Started with your device

IQ-9075 EVK

Start here for IQ-9075 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.

IQ-8275 EVK

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RB3 Gen 2 Dev Kit

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RB3 Gen 2 Lite Dev Kit

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IQ-615 EVK

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IQ-X7181 EVK

Start here for IQ-X7181 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.

IQ-X5121 EVK

Start here for IQ-X5121 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
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