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.
AFAIK Knox would trip a fuse if you installed custom firmware and would prevent you from using banking apps and the like permanently but you were still able to flash the firmware.
I definitely remember the bit about the fuse. I can’t recall if you could flash the firmware or not. You might be right about that. I never owned an S4. I went to HTC after my S3. I regret that. Pretty phone, but what a clustertruck inside.
No banking, no Google Pay and things like 2FA apps like Authenticator if I recall right. A nightmare just for 2FA if you don’t have a charged 2nd phone. if you suddenly left your wallet somewhere and have to pay a purchase at the supermarket with a full cart.
I just wanted to be able to record both sides of calls which is legal in my country, without having to use the official Phone app which warns participants with a forced beep and a voice note that the call is being recorded. Any alternatives?