Android
Verizon Galaxy S4 Bootloader Unlock Could Arrive Soon After Launch
Verizon is notorious for locking up the bootloaders on devices so that owners can’t install custom software. And while not confirmed, we expect the upcoming Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 to have a locked up bootloader, just like the AT&T model. However, it appears that there is a chance that a bootloader unlock could be available at launch or shortly thereafter.
Earlier this week, we learned that the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 arrived with its bootloader locked up tight, a departure from the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2 which both arrived on Ma Bell with their bootloaders unlocked. The grim news was met with some fantastic news earlier today however as a bootloader unlocked was confirmed for the AT&T model.
Read: Samsung Galaxy S4: 5 New Things to Know.
The Verizon Galaxy S4 could see its bootloader unlocked shortly after it arrives.
The unlock was released by Dan Rosenberg who provided an image of his success, but did not elaborate on many of the other details that those interested in customizing their Galaxy S4 were interested in. Now, Rosenberg has answered a few of the big questions in regards to the bootloader unlock and the news, fortunately, will be music to Galaxy S4 owners ears.
He claims that the bootloader unlock is for the AT&T Galaxy S4, something we already knew. He also says that it will, unsurprisingly, allow owners to use custom kernals and recoveries. Most importantly though, Rosenberg discusses the release date of the tool saying that it won’t come until after Verizon releases its Galaxy S4.
Verizon has said that its release date, at least in-stores, won’t be until May 30th, which means that Rosenberg likely won’t release the tool until that day. That means that AT&T owners have quite a bit of a wait ahead of them, at least for this tool.
Read: AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 Bootloader Unlocked.
The AT&T Galaxy S4 bootloader could be unlocked shortly after May 30th as well.
Interestingly, Rosenberg also says that he thinks that this method could work for the Verizon Galaxy S4. The likely reason for him holding onto this method until the release of the Verizon Galaxy S4 is that he doesn’t want Verizon to patch up the method prior to the phone’s release. By holding onto it, he ensures that the method could work, at least until Verizon issues an update.
Should the method work like Rosenberg thinks it will, it could be made available shortly after the Verizon Galaxy S4 launches for both AT&T and Verizon owners.
Those with the Sprint Galaxy S4, won’t have to deal with a bootloader unlock tool, as the Sprint Galaxy S4 ships with an unlocked bootloader.
