The next version of the One UI 9.5 interface, developed by Samsung and based on Android 17, should incorporate a security feature long awaited by consumers. This new native locking system for apps will require authentication to open chosen programs and games, as revealed by Fahad Ali Javed in a recent post.
The functionality, which was expected in previous versions such as One UI 7.0 or 9.0, was postponed and will now arrive in version 9.5. To activate, users can simply tap and hold the application icon on the home screen or in the app drawer, then select the padlock symbol that will appear.
One of the great advantages is that the solution will not require the creation of unique passwords for each application. The system will use the authentication methods already configured on the device, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN or pattern. This represents a more practical and integrated alternative compared to Secure Folder, which establishes a separate environment to protect files and applications, making security management more fluid for users’ daily lives.
When will One UI 9.5 be available?
The next major update to Samsung’s interface is expected to be released in early 2027. The expectation is that One UI 9.5 will be presented simultaneously to the new Galaxy S27 smartphones, in an event between January and February. This schedule follows the company’s recent pattern, which showed One UI 8.5 in February 2026, along with the Galaxy S26 line.
Before the official release to the public, Samsung is expected to start a Beta program for One UI 9.5. This testing phase, which should begin a few months before the announcement of the Galaxy S27, will allow the company to identify and correct possible flaws, in addition to making final adjustments to the interface.
