Samsung has temporarily halted the distribution of its One UI 7 update, just one week after its official launch on April 7, 2025. This decision follows the discovery of significant usability, security, and energy consumption bugs that have raised concerns among users. The update, which was expected to enhance the user experience across various Galaxy devices, has now been removed from servers for several models, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Reports indicate that the most pressing issue involves a serious security flaw within the Secure Folder feature. Users have noted that the Gallery app inside Secure Folder can inadvertently make its contents visible outside the secure space through automatically generated stories. This means that sensitive photos, which are meant to be protected, could be accessed without proper authentication. As a result, tapping notifications about these stories can expose all associated images, creating a significant privacy risk.
According to the tech informant Ice Universe, who first reported the issue, Samsung’s decision to pause the update was likely influenced by these security concerns. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the company to take action to prevent further complications. Users in South Korea, one of the first markets to receive the update, reported being unable to unlock their Galaxy S24 devices, adding to the frustration surrounding this rollout.
Samsung has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the halt in distribution, but industry experts speculate that the combination of usability issues and the critical security oversight necessitated such drastic measures. In addition to the problems with the Secure Folder, users have reported abnormal battery usage following the update, which has compounded the dissatisfaction.
The One UI 7 update was anticipated by many, especially as it arrived seven months after the release of Android 15 for developers. This delay had already sparked criticism, as users expected a more seamless transition to the new software. The rollout was designed to be gradual, targeting different devices and regions, but the current situation has left many Galaxy users in limbo.
For those who have already received One UI 7, a temporary workaround to mitigate the security issue involves disabling the auto-create stories feature within the Gallery app. Users can navigate to the app settings in the Secure Folder and turn off this setting to prevent any accidental exposure of their private media. However, this is merely a stopgap solution until Samsung addresses the underlying problems.
In the wake of these developments, Samsung faces mounting pressure to rectify the issues associated with One UI 7 swiftly. The company has a reputation for delivering robust software updates, and this incident could tarnish that image if not handled properly. As users await further communication from Samsung, the tech community is closely monitoring the situation to see how the company will respond.
As of April 14, 2025, the One UI 7 update has not yet been distributed in Brazil, leaving many local users eager for news on when they might receive the new features. The halt in distribution raises questions about the overall stability and security of the update, leading to speculation about whether Samsung will need to conduct a comprehensive review before resuming the rollout.
In summary, Samsung's pause on the One UI 7 update reflects a significant setback for the company, as it grapples with critical security flaws and user dissatisfaction. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in software development and the importance of thorough testing before releasing updates to the public. As the company works to resolve these issues, users are left hoping for a swift return to normalcy and the promise of improved functionality.
