Samsung may finally introduce a fundamental privacy feature that was overlooked in Galaxy phones.

      One UI 9.5 may allow users to lock apps without any hassle

      Samsung provides Galaxy users with an impressive level of control over their devices. Features like Good Lock enable users to customize nearly every element of their smartphones. However, the company somehow overlooked adding a straightforward fingerprint lock for applications.

      With the upcoming One UI 9.5 update, this might change. Tipster Fahad Ali Javed has revealed a native App Lock feature within a yet-to-be-released One UI 9.5 build on a Galaxy S26. This would enable users to secure individual apps directly from the app drawer without the need to relocate them first. It could be one of the most straightforward and beneficial additions in One UI 9.5.

      Locking an app appears to be incredibly simple

      Leaked screenshots indicate that pressing and holding an app icon reveals a padlock button. By tapping it, the app becomes secured using the same authentication method utilized to unlock the Galaxy phone, such as biometrics or the screen lock.

      Samsung seems to enhance the protection beyond merely blocking the app itself. Widgets and shortcuts for locked apps would vanish from the home screen, while their notification content would be concealed. However, content generated by those apps can still be accessed by other applications that have permission to view it.

      This feature appears to be significantly more convenient than Samsung’s current Secure Folder for everyday privacy. For those unfamiliar, Secure Folder establishes a separate protected environment where users can store apps, files, photos, and accounts behind an additional layer of authentication. Samsung has confirmed that apps can be added directly to this secured space.

      One UI 9

      Samsung may be taking cues from Android

      The way One UI 9.5 implements this feature seems to resemble the App Lock feature recently identified in Android Canary 2608, as reported by Android Authority. Both enforce similar restrictions on notifications, widgets, and access to other content.

      However, this is all still speculation at this stage. One UI 9.5 has not been officially unveiled. A leaked version has surfaced on the Galaxy S26. We are likely to see Samsung's next significant OS update debut alongside the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027 before it becomes available for eligible older Galaxy devices.

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

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