ASUS released firmware (specifically version 33.0804.2060.189 and later) that actively patches unofficial exploits and prevents firmware downgrading.
As of May 2026, the status of the is a critical point of frustration for the enthusiast community. While the phone was initially launched with a dedicated unlock tool, ASUS has since discontinued official support, leaving users with very few options for custom ROM installation. Current Official Status (May 2026)
Unlocking the bootloader (if successful) still results in a permanent loss of warranty and may cause the device to fail Play Integrity or SafetyNet checks, affecting banking apps. Attempting the Unlock (Legacy Method)