Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8 update is set to eliminate the ability to unlock bootloaders on Galaxy devices globally—not just in the U.S. Previously, Samsung disabled bootloader unlocking by default on U.S. models, but users in other regions could still enable it via the “OEM Unlocking” toggle in Developer Options. Now, internal code from multiple sources signals a permanent removal of that setting. In particular, the bootloader parameter androidboot.other.locked=1 instructs the system to hide the toggle entirely.
This change has already been observed in both beta and stable One UI 8 installations on models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and S25 Ultra. In all these cases, the Developer Options menu no longer shows the OEM Unlock toggle—even on models sold outside the U.S.
For advanced Android users, this restricts deep customization: without access to the bootloader, installing custom ROMs or rooting is no longer feasible on updated Galaxy phones. Enthusiast communities fear this foreshadows an end to long-standing customization support.
Some users also report that devices previously unlocked become locked again after installing One UI 8, indicating the change may not only block new unlocks but also enforce re-locking on updated phones
The move appears to be motivated by security concerns, tighter integration of Samsung Knox, and carrier pressure. While average users may not feel the impact, developers and modders view it as a significant retreat from Android’s open ethos.
Samsung has not made an official statement regarding the removal, and it’s unclear whether the change will affect older Galaxy models once they receive One UI 8. For now, devices still running One UI 7 retain the unlock option.
With Samsung continuing to guarantee seven years of software updates, some argue that custom ROMs are less essential than before. Yet others see this shift as a broader industry trend of locking down devices—from Samsung to Xiaomi—and a reminder that rooted flexibility is fading
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