The Samsung One UI 8 update is causing a ruckus on the Android scene. Several Galaxy devices are said to have lost the bootloaders unlocking feature with Samsung One UI 8: Report This restricts the freedom for power users that rely on root access and custom ROMs.
Per sources such as Tech & Leaks Zone, the Samsung One UI 8 update—both beta and stable iterations—prevents bootloader unlocking from taking place. The Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are said to be impacted by the devices. This change appears to be affecting even devices which had been unlocked before.
Why Bootloader Unlocking Matters
Unlocked bootloader is the go-to tool for techsavvy Android nerds for years. It supports custom ROMs, root for making serious changes, and different tweaks at system level. But it seems Samsung One UI 8 is now set to shut that down.
If you’re currently unlocked, flashing One UI 8 based on Android 16 could also potentially re-lock your bootloader for you. One model in which this awkward behavior has been reported includes the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the S22 Ultra, especially during internal testing.
Ironically and unfortunately, such heavy-handed antics from Samsung will not just restrict freedom; it will force unwanted resets or even block access to features that users once enjoyed.
Samsung Yet to Issue an Official Word
For now, Samsung has yet to formally weigh in on this change. Experts speculate that the reason may have to do with security policies or carriers’ requirements. But the disabling of bootloader unlock functionality with Samsung One UI 8 is going to be a real worry for developers and Android tweakers.
With the trend of bootloader unlocking taking a nosedive, the assimilative and pragmatic significance of the same has not quite lost its sheen. The limitation makes users more or less stick to Samsung ecosystem without a real software freedom.
What This All Means for Android Customization
Android has been known for its open-source philosophy and being customizable since its inception. It appears that the door is closing for Galaxy power users with Samsung One UI 8. While only a small fraction of users actually resort to unlocking their bootloader, it is rooted in the core values of Android. The disappearance of this option may indicate a more locked-down future in store for Samsung phones.
If it turns out to be true and permanent, Samsung One UI 8 will mark a new era, and there’s a vast reduction in control for developers and modders. This shift could drive users toward other hardware companies that do allow for customization.
