NEWS
One UI 8 (Android 16) can block USB devices when your Galaxy phone is locked
Samsung is a great technology vendor in the phone industry, but when it comes to security and privacy, the Korean tech giant is two steps ahead. Now, according to reports, Samsung’s One UI 8 (Android 16) may introduce a useful security feature that will block USB devices when your phone is locked. Because Google is adding an option to Advanced Protection Mode with the Android 16 feature to disable USB data access when the phone is locked for enhanced security.
On the flip side, One UI 7 already has a lot of security and privacy features, include 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 the system to bring optimum user experience.
Samsung may introduce a feature to block USB devices on locked phones with One UI 8 (Android 16)
This new security feature is helpful if you ever worry that someone can access your data when your phone is locked via USB, then this feature can give you peace of mind.
If Samsung adopts this Android 16 feature with the One UI 8 update, then if your Galaxy phone is locked, no USB device will be able to connect or send data to your device until it is unlocked.
When activated, if someone tries to connect a USB device while your Android phone is locked, you’ll need to unlock your phone and reconnect the device to use it. Notably, this protects attackers from using a USB device to extract data on a lost or confiscated phone or to bypass the lock screen.
One thing to note is that Google hasn’t enabled the Advanced Protection Mode yet, but Android Authority was able to enable it manually in Android 16 beta 4. After enabling it, he was able to get the new USB data protection working.
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.
-
NEWS1 year agoAbout the Battery Health and performance of Galaxy S25
-
NEWS1 year agoSamsung Android 15 update: Which Galaxy devices will get One UI 7
-
NEWS1 year agoJoin the One UI 8 Beta Program: Experience the latest One UI with Android 16
-
NEWS2 years agoMore evidence suggests the Galaxy S25 Ultra may eventually adopt this Pixel security feature
-
NEWS1 year agoSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra battery and Charging test: Upgrade results
-
ANDROID1 year agoSamsung Galaxy phones and tablets that should receive Android 16 and One UI 8 update
-
NEWS2 years agoGalaxy S25 to integrate Bixby and AI into camera app
-
NEWS2 years agoOne UI 7 battery icon to show charge levels with dynamic colors