Key Takeaways
1. OnePlus has introduced Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) in recent ColorOS updates for OnePlus 15 and 13 models.
2. ARB operates at the hardware level, making it impossible to fix issues through software updates or unbricking techniques.
3. Triggering ARB can permanently brick the device, requiring mainboard replacement for recovery.
4. Affected devices include OnePlus 15, 13, 13T, Ace 5, and Ace 5 Pro, with specific ColorOS versions implementing ARB.
5. Users of custom ROMs should avoid recent updates until they verify the changes to prevent complications.
OnePlus has allegedly made a significant adjustment in its latest ColorOS software updates for the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 13 models. This adjustment introduces restrictions on rolling back updates, installing custom ROMs, and could potentially lead to permanently disabling the phone.
New Protection Features
According to Droidwin, OnePlus has discreetly implemented Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) in three of the most recent ColorOS software updates. These updates, which are built on Android 16, introduce a hardware-level modification to certain devices.
This protective measure functions in a way that is akin to Samsung’s Knox security system, and similar features are also found in devices from Xiaomi and Google. Since it operates at the hardware level, any issues that arise cannot be fixed through software updates. This means that well-known unbricking techniques will not be effective.
Implications of ARB
DroidWin outlines that when ARB is triggered, it activates an e-fuse on the device’s motherboard, resulting in a permanent bricking of the phone. If this occurs, the only possible solution to recover the phone is to replace the mainboard.
The devices impacted include the OnePlus 15 (with 12/256 GB, currently priced at $636.63 on TrandingShenzhen), along with the OnePlus 13, 13T, Ace 5, and Ace 5 Pro. The ARB feature is said to be present in ColorOS versions 16.0.3.500, 16.0.3.501, and 16.0.3.503. While this implementation is currently limited to the Chinese variants of the phones, it’s important to note that OxygenOS and ColorOS utilize the same codebase. Thus, this change may soon be seen in international models as well.
User Considerations
While this update may not be a concern for average users, it poses challenges for those who are utilizing custom ROMs on the affected OnePlus devices. For these users, it would be advisable to refrain from installing any of the recent OxygenOS or ColorOS updates without first confirming the specifics of the changes.
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