Xiaomi's HyperOS Won't Support Devices With Unlocked Bootloaders

Xiaomi’s HyperOS Won’t Support Devices With Unlocked Bootloaders،

In October 2023, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi unveiled 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, smart connectivity, proactive intelligence, and better security. Speaking of security, the company also plans to limit HyperOS to devices with locked bootloaders.

HyperOS and booting don’t mix

According to a report by Android Authority, Xiaomi’s HyperOS will disable bootloader unlocking. This will protect device security by preventing data leaks and other potential security issues. Users who want to unlock the bootloader must make a formal request via the company’s community forum.

Apart from this, Xiaomi also imposes another restriction which will not allow users to unlock more than three devices in a year. Initially applicable in China, this restriction could also extend to the international market, where Xiaomi has a considerable market share.

Unlocked devices will not be eligible for HyperOS update

As mentioned earlier, even eligible devices with unlocked bootloaders will not receive the HyperOS update. To receive the update, a user will need to relock the bootloader. The move could spark a debate among custom ROM enthusiasts that users should have the right to use their smartphone with any customization they want.

However, the company’s intention is to reduce security concerns for everyone. Those who still want to unlock their devices can do so with a HyperOS update.

What is a bootloader and why do users unlock it?

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A bootloader is the first piece of code that runs when a device boots. It initializes the hardware on a smartphone and helps load the operating system. Apart from this, the bootloader also helps maintain security by checking different components and preventing unauthorized access.

However, unlocking the bootloader allows users to install custom ROMs and unlock a new area of customization, which may not be as secure as the phone manufacturer wants. Therefore, Xiaomi has decided to limit its new operating system to devices with a locked bootloader.

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