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OnePlus deployed firmware updates in January 2026 that blow irreversible hardware fuses in Qualcomm processors, permanently preventing users from downgrading firmware or installing custom ROMs. Affected devices include OnePlus 13, 15, and Ace 5 series running ColorOS 16.0.3.501 and related versions. Attempting to install older firmware results in a permanent hard brick requiring motherboard replacement. The anti-rollback mechanism uses Qfprom electronic fuses that physically change state when triggered, cannot be bypassed through EDL mode, and renders existing custom ROMs incompatible. OnePlus has issued no official statement but removed downgrade firmware packages from their forums, effectively ending the company's historical support for device modification and custom ROM communities.

Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback