The state with GrapheneOS on Pixel 10s with Google locking down the bootloader

MaHei

Today I read an Article where it says that Google will block downgrades in name of security by closing the bootloader.

With that surely costum ROMs like GraphenOS can't be installed on it anymore, isn't it?

I would really suck because in a month or so I want to get a Pixel 10 with Graphene OS. If you can't install Graphene OS I would need to switch to a Pixel 9 witch is fine but just a really big downer

Here is the Articel again: https://android.gadgethacks.com/news/pixel-10-may-block-android-downgrades-who-is-affected-and-how/

nologo

MaHei With that surely costum ROMs like GraphenOS can't be installed on it anymore, isn't it?

No. The answer is right there in the (speculative) article you are referring to:

Pixel hardware has historically attracted users who want to run custom Android builds, and bootloader accessibility is a meaningful part of that appeal. Whether the reported change touches this group at all depends on implementation details the report doesn't resolve. If enforcement stays limited to stock firmware downgrades, custom ROM installation on an unlocked device may survive intact. If it reaches further into the verified boot chain, the picture changes. Neither conclusion is supported yet, and neither should be assumed.

grayway2

MaHei What are you waiting for ? If you need a Pixel 9 or 10 buy it and flash GrapheneOS. Google can prevent the unlocking of the bootloader for every supported Pixel at anytime. No one really knows when but Google will lock the bootloader of its devices one day.

phospmph

MaHei
This is a non-issue for GrapheneOS since it is always built on the latest available version of firmware / AOSP to get the full set of security patches. The project account also has a relevant response in https://nitter.net/GrapheneOS/status/2039745499813609782#m

The-Man

"Pixel 10 MAY block Android downgrades: who is affected and how"

"Google has not confirmed this. But the reported consequence is worth understanding now: once that update applies, the path back closes, and there is no reopening it."

Click bait journalism, but they 'need' to be first with it.
Try downgrading GrapheneOS...
The real story would be are they going to keep AOSP to themselves on a locked Pixel 11, wait and see...

News flash " the world will stop spinning, one day", Who is affected and how?