In October 2023, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi revealed HyperOS, its new operating system that will replace MIUI. The company says HyperOS unifies its vast ecosystem of devices, improving integration by introducing low-level refactoring, intelligent connectivity, proactive intelligence, and better security. Speaking of security, the company also plans to limit HyperOS to devices with locked bootloaders.
HyperOS And Bootloading Won’t Mix Well
According to a report by Android Authority, Xiaomi’s HyperOS will turn off bootloader unlocking. This will protect devices’ security by avoiding data leakage and other potential security issues. Users who want to unlock the bootloader must raise a formal request via the company’s community forum.
Apart from this, Xiaomi is also placing another restriction that won’t allow users to unlock more than three devices in a year. Initially applicable in China, this restriction could also work its way to the international market, where Xiaomi has a considerable market share.
Unlocked Devices Won’t Be Eligible For HyperOS Update
As mentioned earlier, even eligible devices with unlocked bootloaders won’t get the HyperOS update. To receive the update, a user would have to relock the bootloader. This move could instill a debate among custom ROM enthusiasts that users should have the right to use their smartphone with whatever customization they want.
However, the company’s intent behind it is to reduce security issues for everyone. Those who still want to unlock their devices can do it at the expense of a HyperOS update.
What Is A Bootloader And Why Do Users Unlock It?
A bootloader is the first piece of code that runs when a device is booted up. It initializes the hardware on a smartphone and helps load the operating system. Apart from this, the bootloader also helps maintain security by verifying different components and preventing unauthorized access.
However, unlocking the bootloader enables users to install custom ROMs and unlock a new realm of customization, which might not be as safe as the phone maker wants. Hence, Xiaomi has decided to limit its new operating system to devices with a locked bootloader.
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