Haiku is a free and open-source operating system inspired by BeOS, aiming for source and binary compatibility with the BeOS API. It pairs a custom hybrid kernel with a fast, uncluttered native desktop, and remains under active development — Haiku R1/beta6 was released in August 2026.

Key Features

• BeOS API compatibility — running BeOS-era applications is a core design goal
• Custom hybrid kernel — built specifically for responsive desktop use and low latency
• BFS file system — extended attributes and live queries are used throughout the system
• HaikuDepot package manager — install and update native applications from a central repository
• Native applications — WebPositive browser, MediaPlayer, Tracker file manager and more

Why Use It

Haiku offers something rare: a desktop operating system with a coherent, fast native API designed for responsiveness rather than general-purpose server duties. It boots quickly, runs comfortably on modest x86 hardware, and gives BeOS applications and workflows a maintained modern home.

Use Cases

• Reviving BeOS software — run BeOS-era applications and games
• Lightweight desktop — a fast environment for older 32-bit and 64-bit x86 machines
• Virtual machine testing — quick to set up in VirtualBox, QEMU or Proxmox

Platform

x86 (32-bit) and x86-64, with an ARM64 port in development. Installable to disk, USB or virtual machine.

Licence

Free and open source — the majority of Haiku’s own code is released under the MIT Licence; some bundled third-party components use other licences.

Website

haiku-os.org