On 1 August 2025, the European Union’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU officially took effect, directly undermining the long-standing openness that has defined Android smartphones for decades.
Days before the new regulations came into force, Samsung quietly removed the bootloader unlock feature in its OneUI 8 update, a clear move to comply with the directive. The message to Android manufacturers is unequivocal: installing custom software is no longer permitted. Unlocking the bootloader will not be possible for EU products.
The bootloader is a program that runs before the operating system. Unlocking it is essential for installing alternative ROMs and other system modifications, as well as exercising ownership rights. The new rules require devices to verify software signatures during boot; otherwise, the software will not run.
Moreover, once manufacturers end support for a device, users will be left with vulnerable devices and no means to maintain perfectly usable and serviceable hardware.
This raises a critical question: are users buying or merely renting their devices?
The new requirements are purportedly part of an effort to enhance security and resilience against digital threats. However, this centralising effect will impact both businesses and users, as it inverts the foundational principles of Android phones. For years, the operating system has stood out for its flexibility, particularly for power users and certain business sectors.
With the stroke of a pen, that flexibility has vanished in the EU.
Immediate Consequences of the Directive
The RED’s new requirements mandate the following:
- All firmware must be cryptographically signed.
- Hardware and software must be validated together before startup.
- Unapproved or altered ROMs are blocked by default.
These changes significantly reduce user and enterprise control over device software, impacting consumer satisfaction and niche business deployments.
Samsung’s early move was a strategic pivot in anticipation of the rule change. Other manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and Google, will need to follow suit to remain certified in the EU.
Is Android Losing Its Edge?
As a result, Android will begin to resemble iOS in terms of software control. Key consequences include:
- Reduced flexibility: Rooting and custom ROMs may disappear for most users.
- Reduced device lifespan: Users will lose the ability to maintain a secure system after official support ends.
- Increased security: Secure Boot offers greater protection against malware at startup.
- Increased vendor control: Only official firmware updates will be permitted.
- Regional fragmentation: China and India may retain the previous model for the time being.
The regional changes in the EU represent a significant shift in how Android devices will be sold, managed, and used. While device security may improve in the short term, this comes at the cost of long-term challenges.
Millions of functional devices will become unserviceable and unusable after a few years, calling into question the very nature of ownership.
Indeed, have we purchased a phone, or merely licensed its use under the strict supervision of the manufacturer?
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