Samsung is narrowing the gap to iPhone—its latest update makes it by far the best alternative to Apple’s devices when it comes to security and privacy. Google has already raised the bar with Android 15, with a raft of innovations. Samsung has gone further. And its latest update shows that Galaxy phones are about to change forever.
Per SammyFans on Tuesday, “Samsung has rolled out a new update for the Auto Blocker feature, which brings improvements to security to enhance overall device performance. Auto Blocker offers a new ‘Maximum restrictions’ feature for stronger protection for users who need extra security. When activated, this feature limits certain functions on your device to keep it safer.”
As I reported earlier this month, Samsung’s One UI 7 further locks down Galaxy phones, making it harder to take risks such as sideloading apps, bypassing device restrictions or connecting to insecure wireless networks or physical accessories.
In preparation for those changes, Maximum Protection is being updated on millions more devices as Samsung locks down more of its ecosystem and install base. “Some features in Samsung Messages and Gallery will be restricted,” SammyFans says. “This helps protect your messages and photos from unauthorized access.”
But the major changes will come with Android 15 and One UI 7, with its “Galaxy-exclusive security measures… One UI protects personal data while providing all types of users with choice, transparency and integrated security settings — because in the era of AI, there is no privacy without holistic security.”
Further restricting sideloading, perhaps more than anything else, is the game-changer here. “Only apps from authorized sources, such as the Galaxy Store or Play Store, can be installed,” Samsung explains. “If you attempt to install apps from unknown or unauthorised sources, you will receive a pop-up alert, and Auto Blocker will prevent you from continuing with the installation. If the app is determined to be safe, temporarily disable this feature and try again.”
Samsung is already on this journey, targeting an area that has always represented a stark contrast to iPhones, and while Google is adding material defenses to Play Protect to shore up Android’s infamous vulnerabilities, Samsung is going much further. And it’s not just installs. One UI 7 also adds universal 2G blocking and security against risky physical data cable connections as well.
As for this latest autoblock update, “currently, users of the Galaxy S24 series are enjoying the new features and several other Galaxy flagship devices also received its support via a new update. If you’ve received the latest Auto Blocker update, you can install it now through the Galaxy Store by going to Menu >> Updates.”
Android is also changing. Google’s latest response to its DOJ antitrust challenge in the U.S. is to offer a changed relationship with partners. This means loosening Google Search’s lock on iPhone but also giving Android OEMs more flexibility over the Google apps they choose to ship with devices. For Samsung this is an opportunity to create some clear blue water between Galaxy and Android.
So, is Galaxy a genuine iPhone competitor when it comes to security and privacy? No—at least not yet. The gap is still too wide and there remain critical issues in cloud AI privacy and Android malware to overcome. But with this latest update and One UI 7 to come, it’s getting closer. It is also setting itself apart from the growing Pixel threat as the nearest device to an iPhone available on the Android ecosystem today.
