Samsung has officially announced a major security overhaul coming with One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16.
The tech giant also strongly hinted that its upcoming foldables — Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 — will be the first smartphones to launch with this new software out of the box.
A key highlight of One UI 8 is the introduction of Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). This advanced feature creates encrypted, app-specific storage zones within the device’s secure storage. This ensures that apps can only access their own sensitive data, offering better protection for user privacy.
KEEP also enhances privacy-driven features like Now Brief, Smart Gallery search, and supports Samsung’s Personal Data Engine (PDE). This means personalized insights, such as your routines and preferences, remain stored locally and protected by both KEEP and Knox Vault — Samsung’s tamper-resistant hardware-level security system.
With the growing demand for privacy-conscious AI, Samsung is using KEEP to secure on-device experiences like Smart Suggestions and Samsung Moments. This lets users enjoy personalized AI without their data ever leaving the device.
Another major update is how One UI 8 handles high-risk security threats. If the system detects a “serious risk” like identity forgery or unauthorized system manipulation, it will automatically log the user out of their Samsung account, cutting off access to cloud services to prevent data breaches. Users will also receive alerts across all connected Galaxy devices.
Samsung is also looking ahead with the introduction of post-quantum cryptography in its Secure Wi-Fi feature. This update strengthens protection during key exchanges over encrypted connections, ensuring better safety even on public networks. The use of this future-proof encryption method aims to defend against quantum-enabled cyber threats that could emerge in the coming years.
With these robust updates in One UI 8, Samsung is taking a major leap in mobile security and setting a new standard for privacy-first innovation.