Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked.

Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked.

      One UI 9.5 may finally allow users to lock apps without complications.

      Samsung provides Galaxy users a remarkable level of control over their devices. Features like Good Lock enable extensive customization of various aspects of their smartphones. However, the company appears to have overlooked a straightforward addition: a fingerprint lock for apps.

      With the upcoming One UI 9.5 update, this could change. Tipster Fahad Ali Javed has discovered a built-in App Lock feature in an unreleased One UI 9.5 version on a Galaxy S26. This will allow users to secure individual apps directly from the app drawer without needing to relocate them. This could be one of the simplest yet most beneficial features of One UI 9.5.

      Locking an app seems incredibly easy.

      The leaked images suggest that pressing and holding an app icon reveals a padlock button. Tapping it will protect the app with the same authentication method used to unlock the Galaxy phone, whether it be biometrics or a screen lock.

      Samsung seems to enhance the protection beyond just restricting the app. Widgets and shortcuts associated with locked apps will vanish from the home screen, and their notification details will be concealed. However, content generated by those apps may still be accessible to other applications that already have permission to view it.

      This approach appears to be much more user-friendly compared to Samsung's existing Secure Folder for everyday privacy. For those unfamiliar, Secure Folder creates a distinct protected environment where users can store apps, files, photos, and accounts behind an additional authentication layer. Samsung has confirmed that apps can be added directly to this secure area.

      One UI 9

      Samsung may be drawing inspiration from Android.

      The way One UI 9.5 implements this feature resembles the App Lock option recently found in Android Canary 2608, as noted by Android Authority. Both features impose similar restrictions on notifications, widgets, and content access.

      At this point, all of this is merely speculation. One UI 9.5 has yet to be officially announced. A leaked version has already surfaced on the Galaxy S26. It’s likely that Samsung’s next significant OS update will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027 before making its way to other eligible older Galaxy devices.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on…

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Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked. Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked. Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked. Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked. Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked. Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked.

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Galaxy phones might finally receive a fundamental privacy feature that Samsung overlooked.

A leaked build of One UI 9.5 shows that Galaxy phones will feature a dedicated App Lock, which secures individual apps using biometrics and conceals their notifications, widgets, and shortcuts.