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| ARB is reportedly present on ColorOS 16.0.3.500, 16.0.3.501, and 16.0.3.503 builds. Pictured: a screenshot showing Android 16 logo on OnePlus 15. |
If you’re the type of user who loves to tinker with your phone, flashing custom ROMs or rolling back to older software, a new report suggests you need to be very careful with your OnePlus device. In a move that’s sending ripples through the enthusiast community, OnePlus has reportedly implemented a powerful, hardware-level protection system in its latest software updates that can permanently brick your phone if tripped.
According to a detailed investigation by DroidWin, corroborated by Android Authority, OnePlus has silently activated Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) in three of the newest ColorOS builds based on Android 16. This isn't just a software lock; it's a fundamental hardware change on select devices that mirrors protections found on Samsung (Knox), Xiaomi, and Google Pixel phones.
How Does This "Brick" a Phone? Understanding the Risk
For the average user who just downloads official updates, this change is invisible and likely irrelevant. But for modders, it introduces a critical point of no return.
The protection works at a deep level. As DroidWin explains, if you attempt to downgrade your software or flash an unauthorized ROM on an affected device with the new update, the ARB feature can trigger. When tripped, it "blows an e-fuse" on the phone's motherboard. Think of this as a tiny, one-time switch that gets permanently burned out.
The consequence? The phone becomes unrecoverable through normal software means. Popular unbricking methods like using MSM Tool or fastboot won't work. The only fix, as reported, is a complete mainboard replacement—a costly repair that often makes salvaging the device impractical.
Which OnePlus Phones Are Affected?
Currently, the implementation appears to be limited to Chinese-market models running specific ColorOS versions. The affected devices and builds include:
- OnePlus 15
- OnePlus 13 & 13T
- OnePlus Ace 5 & Ace 5 Pro
The specific firmware versions containing ARB are ColorOS 16.0.3.500, 16.0.3.501, and 16.0.3.503.
A crucial detail for global users: While currently limited to ColorOS, it's well-known that the international OxygenOS shares the same codebase with ColorOS. This strongly suggests that the same Anti-Rollback Protection could arrive on global firmware updates soon. Enthusiasts with international models should be on high alert.
For those interested in the specs and current price of one of the affected models, you can check out the OnePlus 15 (12GB/256GB).
What Should OnePlus Users Do Now?
- For Regular Users: Carry on as usual. This change is designed to protect system integrity and won't impact you if you stick to official over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- For Enthusiasts & Modders: This is a major red flag. Extreme caution is required.
- Do NOT install any recent OxygenOS or ColorOS builds on the listed devices without thoroughly verifying the changelog and community reports.
- If you own an affected model and value the ability to mod, you may want to pause updating and wait for clear guidance from developer communities like XDA-Developers.
Before attempting any rollback or custom flash, always double-check the ARB index or version of your current and target firmware.
This move represents a significant shift in OnePlus's approach to its device security and modding community—a community that was instrumental in the brand's early rise. It brings OnePlus in line with other manufacturers on security but at the potential cost of its "Never Settle" ethos for power users.
Source: The initial report comes from DroidWin , with further analysis from Android Authority *.