iPhone + Linux = pain. So I built Rollcopy 🦀📸

For iPhone users paired with a Linux laptop, a common source of frustration is the seemingly endless stream of unorganized photo files. Upon plugging an iPhone into Ubuntu, a folder named DCIM appears, but within it, files are labeled 100APPLE, 101APPLE, and so on, lacking dates, albums, or any indication of previously copied images.

The lack of iTunes on Linux means that transferring photos is often a cumbersome process, such as emailing them to oneself or uploading them to a cloud service. This process can be further complicated by incompatibilities. HEIC photos may not open on older laptops, certain photo viewers, smart TVs, or printing shops. Similarly, MOV videos (HEVC or HDR) may not play on several household devices, displaying in black and white instead.

Rollcopy, a Linux desktop application, aims to alleviate these issues. This software offers a straightforward method for copying photos and videos from an iPhone to a Linux desktop over a USB connection. Upon plugging in the device and tapping Trust, users can select their desired files and Rollcopy will transfer them to a designated directory on the computer.

The app converts HEIC photos to JPG and MOV videos to MP4, ensuring compatibility across various devices. Other features include the ability to browse photos by year, month, or album, with filters for photos, videos, edited images, and those not yet copied. Rollcopy also ensures that edited photos retain their edits, and Live Photos are saved as stills.

The software keeps track of copied items to prevent duplicates, and users can pause or resume transfers mid-process. Privacy and security are prioritized, with the iPhone acting as a read-only device, and Rollcopy itself not modifying any files on the phone. The application is built using Rust and gpui, ensuring stability and performance.

Early versions are available for download, with plans for future features such as Windows 11 support and cloud sync options.