OnePlus will limit bootloader unlocking, but it's not all bad news
www.androidauthority.com
OnePlus is placing new restrictions on bootloader unlocking for certain users starting its Android 16 update which arrives later this year.

“OnePlus has announced a new system that limits who can unlock the bootloader on their phones. Stating reasons such as “data security” and an enhanced “system stability” […]. OnePlus has introduced a new procedure where anyone wanting to unlock the bootloader on their devices must first fill out an online request form for “Deep Testing””.

Even if it is for one region, it is still enshitification preventing phones to have custom ROM 🤦‍♂️

  • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zipEnglish
    501·
    1 day ago

    Fucking fantastic. /s. This is probably the first step to killing bootloader unlocking entirely and that could be a real problem because to the best of my knowledge that would leave Google and maybe Fairphone as the only two possibilities in existence until Graphene launches a device

      • ElectroLisa@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        12·
        20 hours ago

        Motorola does conditional bootloader unlocks, you need to have your device connected to the internet for roughly 7 days after you bought it, in order to have the “OEM unlocking” option available. Then you have to request a bootloader unlock key through their website which requires a Lenovo ID account.

        I’m not saying it’s impossible, but at any of those steps they can make shit worse (like Xiaomi did).

        To my knowledge the only brand which lets you unlock your bootloader without a fuss is Nothing. Sony and Fairphone are on close second but there you still need to request a bootloader unlock key.

        • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zipEnglish
          1·
          18 hours ago

          Oh yeah, I forgot about them. Question is, how well does custom ROMs work with media tech chips? Because from what I understand, a lot of Motorola’s are now using media tech. And I have not seen many custom ROMs work with them.

        • psud@aussie.zoneEnglish
          1·
          19 hours ago

          Google don’t restrict unlocking the boot loader. I just checked on my Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the OEM unlocking toggle is still there. The only barrier is enabling developer options by repeatedly tapping the build number in settings/about phone, just like it always has been

          You can only relock the bootloader with a signed OS image loaded