Recent rumors surrounding One UI 8 suggest that Samsung is set to enhance the security features of its Secure Folder, a key component of its Knox security system. A tipster, IposDev, claims that the upcoming version will transition from using Android’s Work Profiles to Google’s newly implemented Private Spaces API. This change comes in response to vulnerabilities exposed in the earlier One UI 7, which compromised users’ sensitive media files stored within the Secure Folder. According to IposDev’s assessment of an early One UI 8 build, the swelling concern over Secure Folder’s past reliance on Work Profiles may lead to a more robust secure environment.
The early reports indicate that users might not notice any immediate changes; the Secure Folder’s description remains largely unchanged. However, it will still provide users with an “extra layer of protection” for apps, photos, and other private content. The upgrade to Private Spaces is expected to strengthen the security architecture, particularly since the previous use of Work Profiles left openings for unauthorized access to certain files when the device was in the hands of unauthorized individuals. Samsung’s acknowledgment of these flaws came in early 2025, but they did not provide solutions then.
If the transition to Private Spaces is successful, it might address these concerns effectively. Additionally, Private Spaces, introduced at Google’s 2024 I/O event, is designed to create a dedicated area on a device for storing sensitive apps and data, requiring users to establish a new PIN or fingerprint for access. As rumors continue to unfold ahead of the anticipated One UI 8 release, users are hopeful for a rejuvenated focus on security that aligns with enhanced privacy measures.