A Casual Concern

czubek

Forgive my paranoia. Are we to expect that most if not all new phones will have fully locked, impossible to unlock, bootloaders, rendering third party os'es obsolete?

userofgos

czubek

It kinda already is the case, with the exception of Google Pixel's and the future supported Motorola Devices. See here: https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/2035009236653035663#m

the vast majority of Android devices don't allow unlocking to install another OS. Out of the subset of devices permitting it, most cripple functionality if you unlock. Samsung used to allow unlocking on many devices while permanently crippling them but is phasing it out.

But it is not the case for Pixel's and the future supported Motorola devices. See here: https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/2042963129978499473#m

czubek

@ userofgos. Thank you for your reply. My Pixel 6 will reach EOL by the 4th quarter 2026 and I will need to find a replacement by early 2027. So I will follow this forum and hope for the best.

wizoatk

czubek I will need to find a replacement by early 2027.

Early 2027, the recommended answer for running GOS is much the same as now: Pixel 8-10 series, likely the Pixel 11 series, maybe the 11A. We don't expect any Motorola phones running GOS until late 2027.

czubek

Thanks wizoatk. I'll keep a starched upper lip.