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Bootloader Unlock
HMD Global is slowly releasing source codes of its phones, and codes for Nokia 6 and Nokia 1 are already available. HMD has released the Open Source code for Nokia 8 now. This is not the full code, but just one part of it that HMD is obligated to release under the GPL or LGPL, and some other open source licenses that allow the code to be released. If you are a developer and need parts of Nokia 8’s source
code.
HMD still has to release codes for Nokia 7 plus, Nokia 8 Sirocco and maybe older phones ( Nokia 5, Nokia 3 and Nokia 2) if there is any need for them to do that. Anyway, this is commendable, but I think many are waiting for a bootloader to get unlocked in the near future.
Back in Sep 2017, we heard the promise that HMD will share Kernel modifications but mayn’t unlock the Bootloader due to security concerns. Later HMD promised to take into consideration umpteen requests by enthusiasts to unlock bootloader of Nokia smartphones but we didn’t hear anything since then.
Now, seems HMD has decided to take the “Kernel release” route as it has just posted Kernel source codes for Nokia 6 2017 and Nokia 1.
This is what HMD mentions about its plans to release Kernel Source codes. So, we can expect source code release for other Nokia smartphones too.
HMD Global offers selected parts of source codes used in our smartphones through this website. We provide source code licensed under the GPL or LGPL, and some other open source licenses allowing source code distribution.
There is still no word about the Bootloader unlocking but hopefully we will hear something soon from HMD regarding this.
HMD Global caused a small uproar in the enthusiast community when they first revealed that there won’t be any official bootloader unlock method for the Nokia 8. This seriously affected the Nokia 8’s viability as an alternative to competitors like the OnePlus 5, at least within the enthusiast community, as the lack of official support for bootloader unlocking would greatly limit the device’s customization potential.
The company then had to respond to the increasing complaints by reassuring users that they were reassessing the situation. they stated they’d consider an official bootloader unlocking solution, and this helped ease some of the complaints or requests sent their way.
It seems Nokia is still indecisive on whether they want the Nokia 8 to be unlocked officially or not, as HMD Global’s Chief Technology Officer Mikko Jaakkola has now commented that HMD Global “would unlock one Nokia model at the (sic) time”. He then proceeded to ask users which device they would like to unlock first.
Taken literally, Mr. Jaakkola’s statement would indicate that Nokia would first unlock one device, and continue from there. However, Mr. Jaakkola’s statement could also be understood to mean a gradual release of official bootloader unlocking tools for Nokia’s existing portfolio, with priority being given to one single device first.
Mr. Jaakkola is also inviting users to share what they would like to do with a bootloader unlocked device, and further reaffirming that unlocking the bootloader is in their backlog of things to do (although the used hashtag #firstthingsfirst indicates that bootloader unlocking is not for HMD Global currently).
There’s still many questions all of us would like to see answered. Which devices are being considered for the bootloader unlock? Will unlocking the bootloader be restricted to one device? How low is it on Nokia’s priority list? Following this, will Nokia also provide kernel sources for its devices in a timely manner as well?
Despite all that, it’s nice to see that a company that’s largely steering an old beloved brand back into relevance is also open to feedback, and is considering the requests of enthusiasts.
What are your thoughts on HMD Global’s latest statement? Let us know in the comments below!
