A feature long awaited by Samsung smartphone users, native app blocking, is about to be introduced with the One UI 9.5 update. This new feature is due to Google’s decision to directly incorporate the feature into the core of the operating system, starting with the QPR1 Beta 6 version of Android. For consumers, this represents a significant step forward, as a lock built into the operating system tends to be more secure and efficient than third-party solutions or fragmented resources, providing a more robust layer of protection for data and privacy.
Considering that the current public version of Android 17, used by Samsung in the development of One UI 9, does not yet include this functionality, the expectation is that application blocking will finally be made available in the subsequent version 9.5.
The new security tool will allow users to centrally manage the blocking of various applications. It will be possible to configure protection directly in the device’s system settings.
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Details revealed from code sequences indicate the possibility of requiring biometrics as an exclusive method of accessing blocked applications. Furthermore, the function can completely disable the use of PINs for this purpose, offering greater convenience and security.
The development of App Lock, however, has been a careful and, at times, complex process, despite great public interest.
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The feature was briefly spotted in Android Canary 2603, but was removed in later versions, signaling that Google is still improving the functionality. The goal is to ensure that app blocking delivers on its promise of protecting data effectively.
Due to this phase of adjustments and maturation, the functionality should not be included in Google’s next “Feature Drop”. However, the final version promises to offer a robust and reliable security experience to users.
With Samsung’s One UI 9.5 launch strategy based on Android 17 QPR2, only devices in the Galaxy S27 line should initially have this native security function.
It is important to mention that Samsung should present One UI 9 together with its new foldable smartphones, whose official launch is scheduled for this month of July.