Samsung's forthcoming One UI 8 upgrade may spark discontent among enthusiasts of custom ROMs
In a significant move that may have far-reaching implications for the modding community and Android power users, Samsung's latest software update, One UI 8, has confirmed the permanent disabling of bootloader unlocking on Galaxy phones.
This change, which has been reported by several Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 owners outside the U.S., as well as users of other international devices, was first noted by SammyGuru. According to an XDA Forum post, the "OEM Unlocking" toggle, which allows users to access deep-level tweaks such as custom ROMs, custom kernels, and root access, is now missing from Developer Options on these devices running One UI 8.
The removal of the "OEM Unlocking" toggle suggests that Samsung is tightening its stance on device modding. In fact, the bootloader configuration now includes a setting () that forces the bootloader to stay locked and hides the unlock option, making it impossible for users to unlock their devices by normal means.
This change is not limited to U.S. models, as previously unlocked devices may have their bootloader automatically relocked upon updating to One UI 8. The new restriction might result in Samsung having tighter control over what users can tweak under the hood of their Galaxy phones.
While this change is unlikely to affect most regular users, as they rarely touch developer settings or need an unlocked bootloader, it could impact the modding community's ability to customize newer Galaxy devices. The removal of the bootloader unlock option effectively cuts off the possibility of custom ROMs or kernel work on newer Galaxy flagships.
One UI 8 is launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, and it's built on Android 16. Samsung has not provided an official explanation for this change, but it is viewed as a move to enhance security or satisfy carrier requirements.
In summary, One UI 8 represents a permanent policy shift by Samsung to prevent users from unlocking the bootloader and customizing their phones at a system level, regardless of region. This effectively ends the practice of user-driven bootloader unlocking on most recent Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
[1] SammyGuru. (n.d.). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 Lose Bootloader Unlock Option with One UI 8. Retrieved from https://www.sammyguru.com/2022/05/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-and-flip-7-lose-bootloader-unlock-option-with-one-ui-8/ [2] XDA Developers. (n.d.). Samsung's One UI 8 Bootloader Lock Is Global, Affecting International Devices. Retrieved from https://www.xda-developers.com/samsungs-one-ui-8-bootloader-lock-is-global-affecting-international-devices/ [3] Android Police. (n.d.). Samsung's One UI 8 Permanently Disables Bootloader Unlocking on Galaxy Phones. Retrieved from https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/05/11/samsungs-one-ui-8-permanently-disables-bootloader-unlocking-on-galaxy-phones/ [4] SamMobile. (n.d.). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7's Bootloader Unlock Option Removed in One UI 8. Retrieved from https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-flip-7-bootloader-unlock-option-removed-one-ui-8/
- The latest software update from Samsung, One UI 8, has eliminated the 'OEM Unlocking' toggle on Galaxy phones, thereby restricting users from accessing deep-level tweaks like custom ROMs and root access, a move that could potentially impact the 'gadgets' community's ability to customize newer Galaxy devices.
- With One UI 8, Samsung has introduced a setting that forces the bootloader to remain locked and hides the unlock option, making it impossible for users to unlock their devices by normal means, thus significantly impacting the 'smartphones' modding community and those who rely on 'technology' for advanced customization options.
