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.

Verizon recently rolled out the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 series, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6. Now, Samsung is rolling out the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphones in the US. The update is available for locked models of these 5th-generation foldables on the Verizon network.

One UI 7 update arrives on Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 smartphones in the US through One UI build versions F731USQU6EYD9 and F946USQU6EYD9 respectively. The company will soon expand this update to all network carriers in the US.

Based on Android 15, the One UI 7 update brings several new features and enhancements to deliver a next-level experience. Samsung’s One UI 7 update introduces a separate Quick Settings and Notification Panel with the new layout. Also, it adds new features, including Now Bar and Live Notifications, which significantly improve the overall experience.

Apart from new features and enhancements, the update brings the April 2025 security patch to improve system security and stability. Also, it fixes several issues and updates the app to the latest version to improve the overall experience.

As always, this is a gradual rollout so it may take a few hours or days to reach all models. To manually check for a software update, go to your phone’s Settings. At the bottom, you’ll find the Software Update section, just open it. Inside the submenu, if your Galaxy brings a new OTA, you’ll need to hit the Download and Install button.

Samsung has begun rolling out the first update for the Galaxy A56, which installs the April 2025 security patch to enhance security and stability. It is available for users in Europe and will soon expand to more countries. This update makes your Galaxy device more secure, stable, and reliable.

Last month, Samsung launched the Galaxy A56 5G with Seamless Updates. This means that the phone can now install updates in the background while you continue to use it. Now, this device has started its update cycle by receiving the first update as the April 2025 security patch.

The installation package size of this update is around 411.59 MB. Galaxy users can install the update by opening Settings and tapping on the Download and Install option under the Software update section.

Samsung’s April 2025 security patch addresses over 60 issues, including 4 critical, 36 high, and 5 that do not apply to Samsung devices. This patch further includes 1 high-level CVE from Samsung Semiconductor.

In addition, Samsung has fixed 21 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVEs). These SVEs improvements are mainly related to Sticker Center, Clipboard Service, Samsung Contacts, Galaxy Watch wireless download, Samsung Device Health Manager Service, and more.

Furthermore, the latest software updates many stock apps to the latest available version, so you can enjoy new features and improvements. If you have the latest Galaxy A56, install the update now.

Apart from this, Samsung has recently started rolling out the May 2025 update for the Galaxy A55. The company will soon roll out this update to more devices.