[Discussion] One UI 8 Bootloader Lock – Are Custom ROMs Dead?
It looks like, thanks to new EU regulations, Samsung has decided to remove the ability to unlock the bootloader once you update to One UI 8.
For those of us who enjoy modding, flashing custom ROMs, and having control over our devices, this could be a game-changer — and not in a good way. I wanted to hear what everyone thinks about where this leaves us.
My Situation
I came from the Google ecosystem — my Pixel 6a is now my backup phone. I honestly never thought I’d own a Samsung device, but here I am.
I made the switch mainly because:
- I wasn’t happy with Google’s Pixel 10 battery policies, especially how performance degrades over time without giving users any control.
- I wanted a Snapdragon chip for better efficiency and overall performance.
Originally, I had my eye on the OnePlus 12 (around $1,000 CAD), but the OnePlus 13 came in at about $1,400 CAD, which was just out of reach for my budget.
So, I grabbed a used Galaxy S23 from a local shop for about $505 CAD. It came with a one-year warranty, so I figured I'd give Samsung a shot.
My Experience So Far
Honestly, I’m not impressed with Samsung:
- I don’t like the bloatware.
- I’m not a fan of One UI’s interface.
- And Knox… well, Knox feels like a scarlet letter. The second you unlock/root, it brands your phone permanently — there’s no going back.
My plan was simple: keep the S23, wait until Samsung drops support, and flash a custom ROM to breathe new life into the device.
But now, with One UI 8 removing bootloader unlocking entirely, that plan might be dead.
The Bigger Problem
If this change sticks, it’s not just about the S23 — it could affect all future Samsung devices. For anyone who loves custom ROMs, this is a major blow.
Do we stop updating at One UI 7?
Do we jump ship to other brands like OnePlus, Pixel, or Fairphone?
Or do we wait and see if devs find a workaround?
Discussion
What do you all think?
- Will the modding community find a way around this?
- Is it time to move on from Samsung entirely?
- Are we watching the beginning of the end for custom ROMs on Samsung?
I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
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