How One UI 8.5 Is Enhancing Photo Privacy with New Gallery Feature

Samsung is finally adding a native photo-hiding feature to its Gallery app. The new Private Album will debut with the upcoming One UI 8.5 update. This feature allows users to securely lock away sensitive images and videos directly within the app.

This development addresses a long-standing user complaint. Samsung phone owners have historically needed to use the separate Secure Folder app for this purpose.

A More Streamlined Approach to Media Privacy

The Private Album was discovered in a leaked build of One UI 8.5. It provides a dedicated, password-protected space inside the Gallery. Users can simply select items and move them to this private section.

This eliminates the need to constantly move files in and out of Secure Folder. According to Sammobile, this creates a much smoother user experience for managing private content. It integrates privacy directly into the user’s primary media viewing application.

The feature was initially tested in One UI 8.0 but was not released publicly. It was accessible only through a hidden Labs menu meant for experimental functions. Its appearance in the One UI 8.5 leak suggests a full public rollout is imminent.

Enhancing User Convenience and Security

This move signals Samsung’s focus on refining its core software experience. By baking privacy features directly into default apps, the company improves daily usability. It reduces reliance on a separate, standalone security application.

For consumers, this means faster and more intuitive access to protected files. It simplifies the process of hiding personal photos, sensitive documents, or private videos. The change will likely be welcomed by the vast majority of Samsung device users.

The introduction of the Private Album in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is a significant quality-of-life upgrade. It directly tackles a common workflow pain point for millions of Galaxy smartphone owners.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Samsung Private Album feature?

It is a new Gallery app feature that lets you hide photos and videos in a locked album. This keeps them secure and out of view from anyone browsing your main gallery.

How is Private Album different from Secure Folder?

Private Album is built directly into the Gallery app for quick access. Secure Folder is a separate, sandboxed Android environment that holds apps and files.

When will the Private Album be available?

The feature is expected to launch publicly with the One UI 8.5 update. A specific release date has not yet been officially announced by Samsung.

Which Samsung phones will get this feature?

It will likely roll out to recent and flagship Galaxy models eligible for the One UI 8.5 update. This typically includes the S-series, Z-series, and select A-series phones.

Why is this feature considered a major improvement?

It saves time and simplifies privacy. Users no longer need to move files between the Gallery and a separate Secure Folder app to hide them.

Slug: samsung-one-ui-8-5-private-album