ASUS charges for previously free bootloader unlocking tool: Difference between revisions
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{{IncidentCargo | {{IncidentCargo | ||
|Company=ASUS | |Company=ASUS | ||
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|Description=On May 2023, without giving a notice to the users, ASUS removed the ability for owners of the Zenfone and ROG Android phones to access the bootloader tools. As a follow-up, in Early 2024, ASUS began charging 185 euros for bootloader unlocking. | |Description=On May 2023, without giving a notice to the users, ASUS removed the ability for owners of the Zenfone and ROG Android phones to access the bootloader tools. As a follow-up, in Early 2024, ASUS began charging 185 euros for bootloader unlocking. | ||
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In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for [[Bootloader unlocking|unlocking the bootloader]] of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge.<ref name=":0" /> By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line. | The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
[[ASUS]] used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=C. Scott |date=2024-04-05 |title=ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215020008/https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-date=2025-12-15 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers. | [[ASUS]] used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) [[Android]] phones.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=C. Scott |date=2024-04-05 |title=ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215020008/https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-date=2025-12-15 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers. | ||
===Timeline of | ===Timeline of events=== | ||
*In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref name=":0" /> | *In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref name=":0" /> | ||
*The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref name=":0" /> | *The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref name=":0" /> | ||
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*'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed. | *'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed. | ||
*'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref name=":0" /> In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have | *'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref name=":0" /> In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have accidentally shared internal communication templates revealing the discontinuation of the bootloader unlock tool, without making any public announcements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=UPDATE: Unoff.BL unlock 24.01.20. Asus CLOSED this method! |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/update-unoff-bl-unlock-24-01-20-asus-closed-this-method.4649465/post-89761447/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/hIXtC |archive-date=2026-03-03 |website=xdaforums.com}}</ref> | ||
*'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref name=":1" /> | *'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref name=":1" /> | ||
*'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref name=":0" /> | *'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref name=":0" /> | ||
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This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref name=":0" /> | This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
===Consumer | ===Consumer response=== | ||
The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about: | The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about: | ||
*The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | *The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Modern consumer exploitation]] | [[Category:Modern consumer exploitation]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:ASUS]] | ||
[[Category:Software control]] | [[Category:Software control]] | ||
[[Category:Right to repair]] | [[Category:Right to repair]] | ||