According to tipster Ice Universe, Samsung has disabled Odin, a proprietary firmware flashing tool typically used to install stock firmware, install custom ROMs, and restore devices. It also appears that Samsung has removed “Download Mode,” which acts as a gateway for Odin. This change appears to have been made in the latest One UI 8.5 firmware and currently affects the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and recently launched Galaxy S26 series.
Anti-repair and en-KIMCHI-fication again. So that they could sell more and more units as they face stiff competition from China, and more goddamn ewaste as unloved units get bricked and dumped into bins.
Either it’s going to be one of those niche phones for power users (not quite available in developing countries), or having to use separate gadgets again like a dumbphone (hello again, 8210), an MP3 player and a laptop.
Kimchi =/= shit