Samsung Improves Good Lock: New Features Coming to These Galaxy Smartphones

Image showing Samsung LockStar Swirl Animation Update

Samsung’s LockStar Module Gets Exciting Updates: New Animations and Display Enhancements

Samsung is enhancing the customization capabilities of its Galaxy smartphones with a new update to the LockStar module, a key component of the popular Good Lock suite. Good Lock is a powerful collection of applications designed by Samsung to offer advanced customization options for various aspects of the device interface, including the lock screen, notifications, and navigation.

The latest LockStar update, version 8.5.00.10, brings a fresh new unlock animation, alongside two crucial improvements aimed at refining the user experience and interface clarity. This update is currently reaching devices operating on the One UI 8.5 beta, specifically targeting Samsung’s latest flagship series.

Introducing the “Swirl” Unlock Animation

One of the most notable additions in this update is a brand-new unlock animation called “Swirl.” When activated, this feature transforms the lock screen into a captivating vortex effect, gradually revealing the home screen. This dynamic visual adds a touch of modern flair and personalization to the daily unlocking routine, making the interaction with your device more engaging.

Key Interface and Display Improvements

Beyond the new animation, Samsung has implemented two practical enhancements to LockStar:

  • Full Screen Always On Display (AOD) Brightness Control: Users can now manually adjust the brightness range for the Full Screen AOD mode. This offers greater flexibility, allowing users to optimize visibility in different lighting conditions while also potentially conserving battery life. The Always On Display feature (AOD) allows users to see time, date, notifications, and battery status without waking their phone.
  • Improved Status Bar Visibility: The update also addresses visibility issues within the unlock animation editing screen by enhancing the clarity of the status bar. This small but significant change ensures a smoother and more intuitive editing experience, making it easier for users to fine-tune their lock screen aesthetics.

Who Gets the Update First?

For now, the LockStar update is exclusively rolling out to devices participating in the One UI 8.5 beta program. One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin, offering a unique user interface and features. The beta program allows Samsung to test new software with a select group of users before a wider public release. Specifically, the new features are available to owners of the following flagship smartphones:

  • Samsung Galaxy S25
  • Samsung Galaxy S25+
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

These devices are currently running Android 16 QPR2, which refers to a Quarterly Platform Release build of the upcoming Android version, indicating they are at the forefront of Samsung’s software development.

Future Availability for Older Devices

The timeline for the update’s release to older Galaxy devices remains unconfirmed. Its wider rollout is contingent on the pace at which One UI 8.5 is deployed across more models. Industry expectations suggest that the stable version of this software, and consequently these LockStar enhancements, will likely debut concurrently with the highly anticipated launch of the Galaxy S26 series.

While no further changes have been officially announced, Samsung’s consistent updates to Good Lock modules hint that additional features related to lock screen customization and system animations may emerge as One UI 8.5 continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is Samsung Good Lock?

Samsung Good Lock is a suite of powerful customization apps developed by Samsung. It allows users to personalize various aspects of their Galaxy device’s interface, including the lock screen, notification panel, recent apps screen, and more, offering a much deeper level of customization than standard settings.


What is LockStar?

LockStar is a module within the Samsung Good Lock suite specifically designed for lock screen customization. It enables users to change the clock style, position of elements, add widgets, and now, introduce new unlock animations like “Swirl.”


Which devices are receiving the LockStar update first?

The update is currently rolling out to Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra devices that are running the One UI 8.5 beta program (based on Android 16 QPR2).


When will the update be available for older Galaxy phones?

The exact timeline for older devices is not yet known. It is expected to become more widely available when the stable version of One UI 8.5 is officially released, likely coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.


What is the new “Swirl” animation?

The “Swirl” animation is a new screen unlock effect introduced in LockStar version 8.5.00.10. When enabled, it creates a dynamic vortex or swirling visual effect on the lock screen before transitioning to the home screen.

Source: SamMobile. Opening photo: Generated by Gemini.

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