Samsung to add this iPhone app security feature to Galaxy smartphones with One UI 7 update

One UI 7 Beta

Samsung announced the One UI 7 update earlier this year and the company has already started beta testing it with Galaxy S24 devices. While the One UI 7 beta is expected to roll out to more devices in future, the One UI 7 might get a built-in App Lock feature just like Apple iPhones and iPads.

Galaxy devices to get native app lock support

According to a new report by Android Headlines, Samsung is working on a built-in app lock feature for Galaxy devices. As of now, the app lock feature is under development and the company is exploring the idea of adding it with the One UI 7 update. The feature will allow users to lock native and third-party apps installed on the device.

It is also important to note that this feature will be separate from the existing Secure Folder feature that Samsung offers with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

However, the first two public beta updates of One UI 7 do not come with a built-in app lock feature and it is expected to arrive in a future version of the One UI 7 beta or directly into the One UI 7 stable rollout.

Nothing is confirmed though as of now. We advise you to take this with a pinch of salt.

Samsung app lock feature: How it will work

Like any other app lock feature on Android devices, Samsung’s implementation will not be different. Most likely, the feature will allow users to lock the apps installed on the phone using PIN, password and biometrics like fingerprint or face unlock.

Samsung app lock feature: How it will be different from Secure Folder

Although the existing version of One UI does not include a built-in app lock feature, there’s a Secure Folder feature that lets users password-protect apps. However, the implementation is a lot different from the native app lock feature. First and foremost, the Secure Folder creates a separate instance of the app and puts it in a separate container too. Users are then required to setup the Secure Folder version of the app and then use it.

In the case of the native app lock feature, there won’t be a need for any separate instance to be created. Users can lock the existing or the regular app right away and keep it secure.