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OnePlus introduces new bootloader restrictions — and it’s not entirely bad
Android’s development ecosystem has changed dramatically over the past decade. Custom ROMs, root access and third‑party mods that once defined Android’s enthusiast scene have waned in popularity as OEM skins became more polished and manufacturers tightened control. The latest example: OnePlus has announced a new procedure that limits who can unlock the bootloader on its phones — a move the company says is intended to boost data security and overall system stability.
What’s changing: the new "Deep Testing" unlock flow
OnePlus now requires users who want to unlock a device bootloader to complete an online application labeled as "Deep Testing." According to the company’s announcement (released in Chinese and summarized via machine translation), applicants must confirm their devices are not tied to an operator plan and are not running special enterprise or government builds. OnePlus also restricts unlocking requests to one per device every 30 days — an easier cadence than Xiaomi’s recent one‑per‑year limitation, but still more restrictive than prior policies.
Scope and immediate impact
These requirements will initially apply only to devices in China after they receive ColorOS 16, OnePlus’ Android 16–based update. The support page clarifies that older ColorOS releases won’t be affected, offering a lifeline for owners of older or unsupported OnePlus models who rely on custom ROMs or modding to extend device lifespan. That said, OnePlus hasn’t ruled out applying the same model in other regions in the future.
Warranty, history and user reassurance
OnePlus explicitly states that unlocking the bootloader will not automatically void warranty coverage, provided users can restore the device to the original firmware before requesting service — a longstanding company position. Historically, OnePlus has implemented unlocking restrictions before: in the OnePlus 6T era, certain US devices bought under T‑Mobile contracts required an unlock application, showing this isn’t an unprecedented policy shift.
Features, comparisons and market context
- Product features affected: bootloader unlock workflow, firmware rollback and device provisioning. These changes most directly impact developers, modders and power users who install custom ROMs, kernels or use root for advanced features.
- Comparisons to competitors: Samsung has already placed similar roadblocks to bootloader unlocking, and Xiaomi recently imposed stricter unlock request limits. Compared to those, OnePlus’ 30‑day window is relatively lenient, but the requirement for a formal application is a meaningful friction increase.
- Advantages cited: enhanced data security, reduced risk of bricked devices in field testing, improved system stability and a clearer path for enterprise build protection.
Use cases and what modders should consider
- Custom ROM developers: may face slower testing cycles and fewer unlocked units for QA, affecting release cadence and compatibility testing.
- Power users: need to plan unlock attempts carefully due to the 30‑day limit and device eligibility checks.
- Enterprises and governments: benefit from enforced protections that prevent unauthorized unlocking on managed devices.
Market relevance and the future of Android customization
OnePlus’ move signals a broader industry trend: OEMs prioritizing security, compliance and a controlled user experience over the openness that fueled Android’s modding community. For global tech markets and Android developers, the change raises questions about long‑term support for custom ROMs, device longevity via community firmware, and how manufacturers balance security with enthusiast freedom.
While the new policy is limited to China for now and won’t immediately impact older ColorOS versions, it is a reminder that bootloader policies can change rapidly. Enthusiasts should back up critical data, keep firmware images for rollback, and monitor regional policy updates if they rely on unlocking for customization or development.
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