NEWS
Google Identity Check will roll out to Samsung devices with One UI 7
Samsung started the One UI 7 beta program for Galaxy S24 series devices in December 2024, which also included a brand new Identity Check feature. Now, Google Security Blog has confirmed that all One UI 7 eligible Galaxy devices will get the Identity Check feature with this major update in the coming days or weeks.
Google Identity Check allows you to enable your device to require explicit biometric authentication to access certain sensitive resources when you’re outside trusted locations.
Additionally, this security feature also enables improved security for Google accounts on all supported devices and additional security for Samsung accounts on One UI 7 eligible Galaxy devices, making it much harder for an unauthorized attacker to take control of accounts signed in on devices.
As part of enabling identity checks, you can specify one or more trusted locations. When you are outside these trusted locations, biometric authentication will be required to access important account and device settings, such as
- Changing your device’s PIN or biometrics
- Disabling theft protection
- Accessing a passkey.
Biometrics are required for sensitive tasks, such as:
- Accessing saved passkeys and app passwords
- Changing the PIN, pattern, or password, and turning off Find My
In short, the Identity Check feature uses biometrics and other security measures to verify that it’s you. This provides added security for sensitive tasks when you’re away from your trusted locations.
It’s worth noting that Identity Check is now available on Pixel devices running Android 15 and will also be available on One UI 7 eligible Galaxy devices in the coming weeks. The feature will also be made available on supported Android devices from other manufacturers later this year.
With the addition of Identity Check and the ongoing enhancements to our existing features, One UI 7 offers an advanced Knox Matrix, a Data recovery method for Enhanced Data Protection, Passkeys support for Samsung Accounts, a Maximum Restrictions option in Auto Blocker, and improved Theft Protection to provide you with peace of mind, knowing your personal information is safe and secure.
Samsung is reportedly planning major upgrades for its future Galaxy S27 series. Even though these flagship phones are still far from launch, new leaks have revealed that Samsung is working on the Galaxy S27 Pro alongside the Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Plus, and Galaxy S27 Ultra models.
Galaxy S27 Pro leaks
As per the GSMA database Documents, Samsung has three unannounced devices in the pipeline. The database has three model numbers: SM-S956U, SM-S957B/DS, and SM-S958U. According to this, the SM-S956U model number identifies it as the Galaxy S27+, while those for the SM-S957B/DS identify it as the Galaxy S27 Pro, and the SM-S958U lists it as the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Additionally, the Pro variant phone is expected to resemble the Galaxy S27 Ultra in terms of specifications closely.
In terms of specifications, the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to feature a more compact design, sporting a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display. There is also talk that it will not include an S Pen.
As for the cameras, this phone could feature a 200MP primary rear camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Additionally, it includes a 12MP front camera for better selfies.
The Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy processor. Additionally, it may come with 12GB or more of RAM and 256GB or more of UFS 5.0 storage. The phone could house a 5,000mAh battery with 45W or faster charging.
Based on previous launch timelines, the Galaxy S27 series is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027. Stay tuned for more facts.
Samsung has reportedly commenced Android 17-based One UI 9 testing for the Galaxy S26 series. The first-ever Android 17 build has surfaced on Samsung’s firmware server, suggesting an early debut of the next One UI version.
An alleged Android 17 firmware has been listed on CheckFirm (via TarunVats) for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. That said, Samsung kicked off its work on the One UI 9 system for the latest flagship nearly two months earlier than usual.
Based on available information, Samsung is currently testing the BZC5 build on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung will take its time to refine this new operating system for Galaxy devices and will not rush the release of the firmware.
Although testing for One UI 9 has commenced early, this does not imply that it will become available to customers any sooner. Samsung will take the necessary time to optimize this new operating system for Galaxy devices and will not rush the firmware release.
On February 25, Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series, and these phones will be available starting March 11. A day later, the company began rolling out Beta 6 for the Galaxy S25 series, but it seems this may not be the last beta before the stable version is released. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 series is still receiving updates through the One UI 8.5 beta program.
Samsung One UI 8.5 beta 7
A reliable tipster, @TarunVats, spotted a new One UI 8.5 beta build for the Galaxy S25 series on testing systems. The build ending in ZZC3 indicates that Samsung is preparing the seventh beta update for the S25 phones. It’s worth noting that this build began rolling out in March, but the patch level is still February 2026.
The new build suggests that the beta program is still active even after the Galaxy S26 series launched with One UI 8.5 features and improvements. Galaxy S25 Users may have to wait a little longer for the final stable update.
The latest One UI 8.5 Beta 6 update fixed many problems and improved the phone’s performance, including Bixby, Gallery, Now Bar, Now Brief, Display settings, Modes, and Routines.
At this time, Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed how many more beta updates will arrive or when the stable One UI 8.5 version will be released for the Galaxy S25 series and older phones. However, the new beta build is a strong indication that at least one more beta update is on the way. Galaxy S25 users who are part of the beta program should keep an eye out for new updates.
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