Samsung One UI 8 Restricts Bootloader Unlocking, Leaving Power Users Disappointed

Samsung has begun rolling out its One UI 8 software, based on Android 16, as a stable update for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. While many users are excited about the fresh features and smoother performance, power users and developers are raising red flags over a significant restriction.

It turns out that Samsung has quietly removed the ability to unlock the bootloader in both stable and beta builds of One UI 8. This change is impacting not just the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7, but also older devices such as the Galaxy S series and previous Fold/Flip models currently running the One UI 8 beta.

What’s even more concerning is that devices that had previously unlocked bootloaders are getting re-locked after the One UI 8 beta update—without warning or user consent.

According to findings shared on the XDA Developers forums, this isn’t just a hidden toggle in the Settings app. Developers examining the code discovered that Samsung has completely stripped out the code responsible for bootloader unlocking, eliminating the possibility of any software workaround for now.

This decision marks a sharp departure from Samsung's traditionally developer-friendly stance and is already triggering backlash from the enthusiast community. It may also draw attention from regulatory bodies in the EU, where software freedom and right-to-repair concerns are taken seriously.

For now, advanced users who value bootloader access and custom ROM flexibility may want to hold off on updating to One UI 8, especially on devices that currently support bootloader unlocking