Friends, today we are talking about something that seems
to be reaching its end – the era of custom ROMs.
The truth is, whether it’s big mobile companies or even Google itself, almost
every major player has now moved against custom ROMs. Slowly but surely, it
feels like custom ROMs are being erased completely.
But how did this all start? Where did custom ROMs come from, why did companies start opposing them, and what steps are they talking to ensure custom ROMs fade away? Let’s break down the entire story in this video.
The Beginning of Custom ROMs
Custom ROMs really picked up around 2010, about 15 years ago. At that time, Android was new, and phones from LG, Sony, HTC, and Samsung were in the market. Updates were slow, features were limited, and users weren’t fully satisfied with their devices.
That’s when custom ROMs became popular. They gave users the power to install a customized version of Android, tweak the look and feel, and enjoy features without waiting for official updates. You had full control over your phone, independent of the company.
Interestingly, some companies themselves started from custom ROMs. For example, Xiaomi’s MIUI began as a custom ROM. Its success eventually led Xiaomi to launch smartphones. Similarly, other ROMs like ColorOS and FuntouchOS gained popularity. There was a time when almost every phone, even Micromax, had custom ROM options.
OnePlus also made headlines by partnering with Cyanogen, and CyanogenMod became one of the most famous ROMs worldwide.
Why Companies Turned Against Custom ROMs
Over time, however, things began to change. Companies started opposing custom ROMs, mainly citing privacy and security.
- Once you flash a custom ROM, companies can’t guarantee safety.
- If there’s a data breach, malware, or device issue, they’re not responsible.
- Unlocking bootloaders weakens device security, making stolen phones easier to misuse.
These concerns gave companies a strong reason to restrict custom ROMs.
The Business Side
But the bigger reason is money. Today, software isn’t just about updates – it’s a business model.
Companies earn through:
- Pre-installed apps (bloatware)
- Ads inside system apps
- Subscription services and cloud storage
If people install custom ROMs, companies lose these revenue streams. That’s why Chinese brands especially bundle apps and ads into their UIs. Easy access to custom ROMs would break their long-term earnings model, so restrictions increased.
Restrictions on Bootloaders & Kernel Sources
Earlier, unlocking bootloaders was simple, and kernel sources were released quickly – helping developers create ROMs. Now:
- Many companies delay or completely block kernel source releases.
- Bootloaders are locked, especially in brands like Samsung, Vivo, and iQOO.
- Even Xiaomi has made bootloader unlocking more difficult.
All this makes it harder for developers to build ROMs and discourages users from flashing them.
Google’s Role
Even Google, once supportive through AOSP (Android Open Source Project), has changed its approach.
- Earlier, new Android features would appear in AOSP, making it easy for ROM developers to integrate them.
- Now, Google prioritizes its internal branches and updates AOSP later.
- This slows down the custom ROM ecosystem.
The Final Blow – Banking & UPI Apps
In India and other countries, banking and UPI apps refuse to run on unlocked or rooted devices. Even if you flash a secure ROM, apps often stop working after updates. This creates a big barrier for users who rely on these apps daily.
The Slow Death of Custom ROMs
All these factors combined – locked bootloaders, delayed kernel sources, business interests, banking app restrictions, and Google’s shift – have pushed custom ROMs towards extinction.
Today, most new phones don’t support ROM flashing easily. Developer interest is also shrinking, because the effort no longer matches the demand. And to be honest, modern Android itself has become so feature-rich that users don’t feel the same need for custom ROMs anymore.
So, friends, the reality is clear: custom ROMs are slowly dying. In the next 1–2 years, they might disappear completely. Companies are focused only on their own skins and UIs, and no one openly supports custom ROMs anymore.
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