Samsung Locks Down Bootloaders in One UI 8, Stifling Customization

The Android modding community is up in arms after discovering Samsung's One UI 8 update removes the bootloader unlock option on many devices. Previously available outside the US, this feature allowed users to install custom ROMs and kernels. Evidence shows this option is gone in One UI 8 beta builds for the Galaxy S25 and stable builds for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, affecting global users. While Samsung now offers seven years of OS updates, this move prevents users from extending device life or enhancing performance through custom ROMs, a significant blow to those who appreciate deep Android customization.