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.
You may have. I have an S10e as well (I often forget it’s an “e”, since it’s just the base model). I wonder if I could flash it. I’m fine with the carrier firmware since I don’t have cell service on it. That phone only goes up to LTE anyway, not that that’s a big hindrance. Honestly if I could transfer the eSIM between my iPhone 16 Pro Max (which, yes, is five years newer and also the premium iPhone of its line) and the S10, I absolutely would, at least if I could easily go back and forth. The 16PM is absolutely the better phone overall, but I like typing on the S10 more (Gboard) and it has a few other cool features. I have like 50GB of music on its SD card. It has a headphone jack. I’ve used Nova Prime to customise the hell out of the home screen (and theme it after Animal Crossing, because I can). It’s lighter, it’s more comfortable to hold. As far as the OS goes, I don’t have a strong preference. I might like it a bit better on official Samsung firmware though.
At least I know where to go if I want to go down that road (so, not asking). XDA.