Android is based on the Linux kernel, which use GPL (General Public License). Thus, it is mandatory for every OEM to release kernel sources of their devices.

Thanks to source code, developers can customize the software for these products. These customized software for Android smartphones are commonly known as custom ROMs.

Companies like Samsung are known for releasing kernel sources on time. In contrast, Chinese brands are notorious for violating GPL by not releasing the sources for most of their devices, except Xiaomi and OnePlus.

But sadly, even Xiaomi has now joined its counterparts in not releasing kernel source code for not one or two but around 11 devices launched in the course of one year.

Redmi Note 12 pro featured
Redmi Note 12 Pro

According to FuvisionTech (via Xiaomiui), Xiaomi is yet to release kernel source code for the following smartphones.

  • Redmi Note 11 / Redmi Note 11 NFC
  • Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G / Redmi Note 11E Pro
  • Xiaomi 12T
  • Xiaomi 12T Pro / Redmi K50 Ultra
  • Redmi Note 12 4G
  • Redmi Note 12 5G
  • Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
  • Redmi Note 12S
  • Redmi K60 / POCO F5 Pro
  • Redmi K60E
  • Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition

One thing is common among the aforementioned handsets. Most of them are powered by MediaTek chipsets, which are not friendly with developers for custom software. Because, unlike Qualcomm, MediaTek limits the availability of its chips’ source code to its customers (OEMs).

Therefore, developers are unable to develop custom ROMs for the above-listed phones. Anyway, it is fine as there are very few people who use third-party software on their handsets these days.

However, by not releasing the kernel source code, Xiaomi is now violating GPL, just like Oppo, Vivo, and others.

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