What you need to know
- A developer reported that OnePlus has implemented an “anti-rollback mechanism” in v16.0.3.501 of ColorOS.
- This mechanism, if a user attempts to downgrade their OS or flash a custom ROM, bricks their phone, like the OnePlus 13, 13T, and 15.
- Recent happenings concerning OnePlus include a report that said it was being “dismantled,” but the company says that is “false.”
OnePlus users are waking up to a warning: do not attempt to rollback your device, lest you risk a bricked phone.
A thread amongst developers on the XDA forums this week “confirmed” that OnePlus has implemented “anti-rollback” procedures on a few devices (via 9to5Google). According to the original post, this anti-rollback procedure or “fuse” applies to OnePlus phones featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. More specifically, this applies to the company’s recent v16.0.3.501 ColorOS update for the OnePlus 13, 13T, and 15.
The user details a few “consequences” for attempting a downgrade or rollback. Their post states that this OS update makes it impossible for users to rollback, as their device will undergo a “hard brick.” This will reportedly occur if the user tries to flash a previous version of ColorOS, OxygenOS, or even a custom ROM.
Custom ROMs are the other side of this, which, while it doesn’t affect a majority of Android users, some get down with the ROMs. The user reports that after the 16.0.3.501 ColorOS update, flashing any ROM will brick your device, and “you cannot unbrick” the phone. The thread highlights one OnePlus 13 user who had to obtain a new motherboard just to be able to use their device again.
The developer suggests dodging the 16.0.3.501 update if your device receives it. Of course, this only applies to users who actively use custom ROMs and may be interested in rollbacks, but this is where things get hazy. The developer reports that this anti-rollback mechanism has only been applied to OnePlus’ ColorOS, not newer OxygenOS versions. Users overseas, such as in the U.S., will have the latter, but there’s nothing that says OnePlus isn’t going to apply this mechanism to OxygenOS, too.
Changes at OnePlus
OnePlus has been all over the headlines recently, as there was one rumor about its upcoming 16 flagship model. Tipsters alleged that the OnePlus 16 is in the works; however, it might be restricted to the Chinese market. If true, the device would ditch its global markets, like the EU and the U.S.
On the other hand, there was a massive rumor that said OnePlus was going to be “dismantled.” What came to light several hours ago was the direct opposite. OnePlus called the reports “false.” On social media, the company’s CEO of OnePlus India, Robin Liu, said, “I wanted to address some misinformation that has been circulating about OnePlus India and its operations. We’re operating as usual and will continue to do so. Never Settle.” It also seems as though OnePlus is restructuring its mentality, looking toward a future where it shies away from multiple launches to focus on “crucial devices.”
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