Samsung’s Good Lock Transformation with One UI 6

Good Lock has always been a standout feature in the Samsung Galaxy experience. The ability to fine-tune and personalize your operating system at a deep level is a privilege few phones offer. For many, Good Lock is a compelling reason to stick with the brand. However, each year, as new Android and One UI versions roll out, Good Lock faces compatibility challenges. This year is no different with One UI 6, but now there’s a roadmap outlining what users can expect.

On Samsung’s South Korean community forum (as reported by 9to5 Google), the head of Good Lock’s development team shared insights into the suite of apps’ future. The first change, though subtle, is noteworthy: the nomenclature.

Major Good Lock updates used to follow a yearly naming convention, often released in the first few months of the new year after a One UI update. However, with an agile development team, updates will now align with the One UI version they’re based on. Consequently, as One UI 6.0 approaches, Good Lock 6.0 will bring some exciting changes.

One UI 6 has introduced substantial modifications, especially in the notification area. These changes have posed challenges for the Good Lock update, leading to delays in modules like Theme Park and HomeUp, which require significant rewrites. In Theme Park, the ability to change icon shapes and set a keyboard wallpaper will be removed. Fortunately, keyboard wallpaper customization can still be accomplished through Keys Cafe, and Theme Park will continue to support custom icon packs from the Play Store.

Good Lock 6.0 holds the most anticipation, with several promising upcoming features:

1. Good Lock 6.0 will be released alongside the stable version of One UI 6.
2. Edge Lighting+ will extend to all Galaxy devices, no longer exclusive to foldables.
3. Simplified steps for installing and updating modules via the Galaxy Store.
4. Sound Assistant will introduce new customization options for the volume panel.
5. Wonderland will create unique animations between AOD, the lock screen, and the home screen.
6. Some notifications not currently functioning with Nice Catch will receive an update.

This update augments the existing features, all optimized for One UI 6 compatibility. Edge Lighting +, in particular, regaining compatibility with all Galaxy phones, is a highlight.

Good Lock 6.1 is on the horizon, coinciding with the launch of the new Galaxy S series, which ships with an updated One UI version. The following updates are anticipated:

1. Integration of LockStar and Clock Face with the native lock screen customization screen.
2. Keys Cafe (Google Translate mistakenly translates this to Kids Cafe) will enable mapping functions to keyboard gestures.

LockStar and Clock Face, although great modules, have been somewhat cumbersome to use. Integrating them into the main lock screen editor will significantly enhance usability. The ability to map functions to keyboard gestures is intriguing, potentially enticing users to switch back to Samsung’s keyboard over Gboard.

Android 14 is expected to launch alongside the Pixel 8 on October 4, with One UI 6 following within a month or so, based on past updates. The current beta is relatively stable, raising the possibility of an earlier release.