Unlocking the bootloader on the Pixel 9 will disable AI features

Pixel 9 device buyers are reporting that unlocking the bootloader on Pixel 9 devices will disable a number of AI-powered features.

Here's What We Know

While unlocking the bootloader opens up access to root permissions and installation of custom ROMs, it also makes the device more vulnerable and deprives it of some features. Specifically, users won't be able to receive OTA updates or use some banking apps (although there are patches to fix this).

Features like Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes, and the new Weather app also stop working. These apps check the state of the server-side bootloader and are disabled when it is unlocked. Google is likely imposing these restrictions for security reasons to prevent unauthorised access to data.

Despite this, some features such as Pixel Studio continue to work without issues. In addition to this, the one-year free Google Gemini Advanced promotion that is offered with the Pixel 9 Pro stops working. The user community may find ways around these limitations, but for now it's just speculation.

Source: Android Authority