In an unexpected shift, Samsung has significantly revamped its latest devices and operating system to alter the functionality of Android fundamentally. This update makes Samsung’s user interface (UI) more akin to the iPhone and extends beyond the broader restrictions anticipated with Android 15. Given that this is Android, this change will likely provoke a strong reaction.
Although Google’s Play Store has substantial security issues, the main threat to Android devices arises from third-party app stores and direct installs. These sources lack the stringent screening defenses of the official store, providing a conduit for threat actors to distribute malicious installs via social media, messengers, and email.
In its core OS, Android distinguishes between apps obtained from official stores and other sources, but the default setting allows such apps to be installed. Google’s Play Protect offers some security for these downloads, though it doesn’t match the Play Store’s screening process. Android 15 aims to introduce live, AI-based monitoring to flag risks in real time, but this feature isn’t available yet.
With the rollout of One UI 6 on Android 14, Samsung introduced “enhanced security through a feature called Auto Blocker… When enabled, Auto Blocker protects your Galaxy device and data by preventing the installation of applications from unauthorized sources and blocking malicious activity.”
Until now, users had to manually enable this setting, but this is set to change. Samsung has confirmed that “starting with One UI 6.1.1, additional security features including Maximum Restrictions, have been added.”
This advanced security mode significantly bolsters the defenses of Galaxy devices and, despite some inevitable pushback, will be a welcome change for most users.
As Samsung details on its support site, Maximum Restrictions provides an array of “extra-strong protections,” including:
– App protection: Checks installed apps for malicious activity.
– Blocks device admin apps: Prevents activation of device admin apps and work profiles to safeguard against potential malicious attacks.
– Blocks auto downloading attachments: Prevents automatic downloads of message attachments to guard against malicious software while still allowing manual downloads from trusted sources.
– Blocks hyperlinks and previews: Protects against accidental clicks on hyperlinks or viewing of preview images, shielding users from malicious websites.
– Removes location data when sharing pictures: Ensures recipients cannot determine the picture’s location when sharing via Samsung Messages or Samsung Gallery.- Blocks shared albums: Protects users from sharing sensitive information and accepting invites from unknown senders.
According to Android Authority, “starting with new Galaxy smartphones and tablets that launch with One UI 6.1.1, Samsung has decided to block users from being able to sideload apps from unauthorized sources… We’ll likely start to see complaints arise soon on online forums about side-loading being blocked on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6… Fortunately, it’s really easy to disable Auto Blocker.”
Side-loading apps already requires enabling, and for users with existing restrictions disabled, their preferences will carry over to the new UI. Thus, they won’t notice any change. For most users, however, it is advisable to keep these protections enabled.
Significant changes are coming to the Play Store in the next few weeks, with Google confirming the removal of thousands of low-quality apps. This will eliminate many malicious apps, enhancing the store’s safety. Google is determined to clean up the ecosystem, moving away from the “wild west” atmosphere. Samsung’s approach goes even further in this direction.
With these security advancements, Android is aligning more with the iPhone regarding control. While this shift may be unpopular with some users, it will result in increased safety for the majority.
