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.
Yeah, I stopped buying Samsung phones after that as well, though I was still rocking the truly great SGS 2. I used that phone for years and years and then gifted it to a friend who used it for a few more. The magic of a user replaceable battery! It is no wonder they took it from us.