If your phone has gone through the update, make sure to check this isn't affecting your device.
Lifestyle Ewan Mowat Deputy Trends Editor 16:30, 14 Apr 2025Updated 16:31, 14 Apr 2025
Owners of certain Samsung phones could be at risk of having their private images exposed due to an apparent 'security flaw'. Over the weekend, Samsung pulled the latest update to its mobile devices, with the One UI 7 update was due to bring the best Samsung phones up to date with their rivals currently enjoying Android 15.
The top-of-the-range Galaxy S25 series launched with Android 15, but its older models have been patiently waiting for their change. That was due to come with the One UI 7 update - before it was suddenly pulled.
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The long-awaited updated was paused worldwide for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung said the update was paused to "ensure the best possible experience".
The move has sent shockwaves through the Android community. And the experts at SamMobile appear to have discovered a "pretty big security oversight" with One UI 7.
They claim that photos within the Secure Folder can be made visible outwith the private gallery.
The contents of the Gallery app, which is only meant to be accessible to the user within Secure Folder, are reportedly being shared more widely through auto-generated stories.
Anyone who is running One UI 7 on a Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Flip 6, or Galaxy Z Fold 6 may encounter the issue.
According to SamMobile: "First, the Gallery app inside Secure Folder generates a story. Then, you will receive a notification about the story outside of Secure Folder.
"This is a privacy concern in itself, but even worse, tapping this notification will reveal all its contents, even if, again, you are using the phone outside the Secure Folder.
"This unwanted behavior makes Secure Folder Gallery content visible outside the secure enclave. You don't have to trick Secure Folder in any way for this to happen. It just does."
Fortunately, there is an easy way to avoid the issue and keep the contents of your Gallery app secure.
How to fix the problem
First, open the Gallery app inside Secure Folder and tap the menu button. Then access Settings and turn off Auto Create Stories.
That feature appears to be turned on as a default setting on One UI 7, so make sure it is disabled manually.
It has not been announced if the issue with Secure Folder stories is linked to the One UI 7 update being pulled by Samsung.
SamMobile said: "It doesn't seem like Secure Folder is very secure in One UI 7, and the company will have to address this, no matter why it halted the One UI 7 update."
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It is also not clear if the bug only affects the Galaxy devices that have gone through the One UI 7 update process before it was pulled, or all devices with One UI 7.
A Samsung spokesperson told The Daily Record: "The One UI 7 rollout schedule is being updated to ensure the best possible experience. The new timing and availability will be shared shortly."
