Android 8.0 introduced Project Treble, which separates the vendor hardware code from the core Android OS. This allowed for the creation of Generic System Images (GSIs)—universal custom ROMs that can theoretically boot on any Treble-compliant device.

You download GBox, clone apps like YouTube or Google Maps inside it, and sign into your Google account.

Android 8.0 Oreo introduced Project Treble, which modularized the operating system. This allows a "Generic System Image" (a pure, stock Android build) to theoretically run on any Treble-compatible device, regardless of the manufacturer's specific hardware. Theoretically, if you could unlock your MatePad 10.4's bootloader, you could flash a GSI like a stock Android 13 or 14 ROM.

: Some niche paid services claim to provide unlock codes for Kirin-based devices, but their reliability for the MatePad 10.4 (Kirin 810/820) is low and carries a high risk of bricking your device. Project Treble

This limitation drives many tech enthusiasts to the Android aftermarket community in search of a "custom ROM." But can you actually install a custom ROM on the Huawei MatePad 10.4?

. Because the bootloader cannot be unlocked via official channels, developers cannot build or port popular ROMs like LineageOS to this specific hardware. The Bootloader Challenge

Lack of hardware acceleration (resulting in laggy video playback). Unresponsive M-Pencil stylus support. Faulty camera optimization.