Key Information

• Samsung is said to be enhancing the security of Secure Folder with One UI 8.
• There are rumors of moving from Android’s Work Profiles to Google’s Private Spaces API.
• This update could rectify a known security flaw in One UI 7 that compromised user data.

The forthcoming One UI 8 update from Samsung is creating excitement, with a spotlight on privacy and security. A tip from IposDev suggests that the tech savant is working to reform its Secure Folder feature with Google’s Private Spaces API. This adjustment might greatly bolster the safeguarding of sensitive user data on Galaxy devices.

What Is Secure Folder?

Secure Folder is a feature powered by Samsung Knox, which creates a secure, encrypted area on Galaxy smartphones. It enables users to keep apps, images, documents, and other sensitive data distinct from the rest of their device. Access to this secure space is secured by a PIN, password, or biometric verification.

Previously, Secure Folder depended on Android’s Work Profiles for data separation. However, this approach has faced criticism recently due to a vulnerability found in One UI 7. This issue permitted unauthorized access to media files located in Secure Folder under certain circumstances, especially when someone physically handled the device.

Introducing Google’s Private Spaces

Private Spaces, introduced at Google I/O 2024, is a new Android feature aimed at providing users with a more secure area for keeping private applications and information. In contrast to Work Profiles, Private Spaces emphasize privacy-first designs and necessitate a distinct PIN or biometric authentication to access.

The rumored incorporation of Private Spaces into Samsung’s Secure Folder could potentially revolutionize the feature. This integration would not only tackle the previous security flaw but also align Samsung’s security mechanisms more closely with Google’s latest Android security guidelines.

Rumors in Focus

IposDev has hinted that early versions of One UI 8 indicate Secure Folder is evolving to utilize Private Spaces APIs. The source mentioned that system-level APIs and profile identifiers suggest this shift, though no significant visual revisions to the Secure Folder interface have been detected as of yet.

While Samsung has yet to formally verify these updates, the transition seems logical given recent security challenges. Earlier this year, the company acknowledged the One UI 7 vulnerability, but a comprehensive fix has not been provided. One UI 8 might be the answer users are anticipating.

Significance of This Update

As smartphones increasingly serve as digital safes for everything from financial applications to personal images, strong data protection is more crucial than ever. Samsung’s Secure Folder has historically been a reliable feature for users concerned about privacy, and this proposed enhancement could restore confidence following recent security issues.

By integrating Google’s Private Spaces, Samsung might deliver a more secure and contemporary privacy solution. This would not only boost user trust but also establish a new benchmark for security on Android devices.

Other Features Expected in One UI 8

In addition to Secure Folder, One UI 8 is rumored to introduce a variety of other improvements. Leaks indicate enhancements to the weather application, including 3D animations, along with a revamped Now Bar for managing phone calls. Some users reportedly have even installed early versions of One UI 8 on the upcoming Galaxy S25, leading to a