Mobile
Verizon Won’t Unlock Galaxy S III Bootloader
Verizon has confirmed, despite rumors to the contrary, that it will not be unlocking the Galaxy S III bootloader with a software update.
The carrier has confirmed the bad news to Droid-Life saying that it will not unlock the bootloader with a software update, something that was rumored to be the case over the weekend.
Customer service representatives from Verizon had said that a software update would unlock the Galaxy S III encrypted bootloader and make the phone ready for custom ROM flashing.
Read: Verizon Galaxy S III Launch is a Mess.
That unfortunately won’t be happening says Verizon which means that the Samsung Galaxy S III Developer Edition will be the only way to get a Verizon Galaxy S III with an unlocked bootloader.
Verizon will not unlock the Galaxy S III bootloader.
The Galaxy S III Developer Edition still does not have a release date but it should be coming soon for a premium of $599.
Clearly, this is not the news those who ordered the Verizon Galaxy S III were hoping for, especially after seeing good news just a short time ago, but this is how Verizon is going to leave the Galaxy S III for better or worse.
Verizon has said that the reason they are locking the bootloader on the Galaxy S III is because an unlocked bootloader would allow users to modify their phone, something that might adversely affect its cellular network or not allow the carrier to provide good customer service.
Read: 5 Lessons Learned from the Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX Ice Cream Sandwich Updates.
The Galaxy S III is only one of several devices that Verizon has locked down.
However, the Galaxy S III devices on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular all possess unlocked bootloaders which puts Verizon’s Galaxy S III at a distinct disadvantage.
How do you guys feel about this? Another poor move on Verizon’s part?
johnny
07/16/2012 at 10:21 am
Verizon is going downhill one step at a time. First they introduce the awful shared data plans and now they pull this kind of crap with no justifiable reason really. Their network used to be king of the hill but it is rapidly converging to the other carriers and that advantage won’t be as such very soon. Get me the f outta my verizon contract asap!
Tony
07/17/2012 at 5:38 am
Verizon…endearing themselves to their customers once again. Just wait a bit, Samsung will be selling a developer version of the Verizon Galaxy S3 which will have an unlocked boot loader. It’s already on Samsung’s developer website, should be for sale shortly for around $600.
Unlock My Mobile - Mobile Phone Unlocking For iPhone , Samsung Galaxy , Galaxy S2 , Galaxy S3 , Galaxy Note & More!
07/20/2012 at 4:03 am
I’ve been surfing online greater than 3 hours as of late, yet I never discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s lovely price enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you did, the web might be much more useful than ever before.
R. Antoane
07/30/2012 at 10:16 pm
i say we al switch to att!. if its for this device. Why would you buy this device in verizon when you dont have an unlocked bootloader? if you want an unlocked bootloader go to att! lets do this!!!
R. Antoane
07/30/2012 at 10:19 pm
and plus if you switch they give you the rebate and stuff like that… i honestly dont have the money to go buy one directly from samsug… i just got my upgrade for verizon…. but for nothing cause they are doing this to us… give us freedom, COME ON!
john conn
08/06/2012 at 4:03 pm
Interesting story… that’s why I just received update that unlocked my bootloader.
corax
08/08/2012 at 9:46 pm
Not on verizon you didn’t.