The resources required to replace the firmware on a non-crippled Android device is access to the Internet from that device. This is not a big ask. Most people who own an iPhone have a data plan and&#x2F;or access to WiFi.<p>Sure, only a small minority of device owners can actually make new firmware, but fortunately only one of them needs to make and distribute some firmware for everyone to be able to install it, if the device is open.