Samsung Galaxy S25 to Receive S26’s Exclusive Horizontal Lock Feature via One UI 9.0

Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography and videography. While the Galaxy S26 series launched with a suite of exclusive software enhancements, owners of the previous generation are in for a pleasant surprise. Recent leaks suggest that Samsung is planning to bridge the gap between these flagship lineups by bringing one of the most requested camera features to the Galaxy S25 family.

Bridging the Gap with One UI 9.0

When the One UI 8.5 update (based on Android 16 QPR2) rolled out, many users were disappointed to find that certain flagship features remained exclusive to the S26 series. Specifically, the "Horizontal Lock" capability was missing from the changelog. This feature is a game-changer for action videography, as it utilizes the ultra-wide sensor and AI processing to keep the horizon perfectly flat, even if the user rotates the device 360 degrees while filming.

However, the narrative is shifting with the development of Android 17. A prominent tech insider, Fahad Ali Javed, recently identified a One UI 9.0 test build specifically for the Galaxy S25+. The firmware version, labeled S936BXXUBDZG4, contains explicit code references and interface elements for Horizontal Lock, signaling that Samsung has decided to democratize this high-end tool.

Not Just for the Ultra Models

One of the most encouraging aspects of this leak is that the feature was spotted on the Galaxy S25+, rather than being restricted to the more expensive S25 Ultra. Since the base Galaxy S25 and the S25+ share identical rear camera hardware, it is almost certain that the entire 2025 flagship lineup will benefit from this update. This move aligns with Samsung's recent strategy of bringing premium software experiences to a broader range of devices to extend their longevity and value.

While the S25 Ultra still holds the crown for raw hardware specs, the implementation of Horizontal Lock on the S25 and S25+ proves that Samsung’s software optimization is becoming more efficient. This feature relies heavily on the "Super Steady" mode architecture, which has been a staple of the Galaxy experience for years, but the "Lock" aspect adds a layer of professional-grade stability previously reserved for dedicated action cameras.

What exactly does the Horizontal Lock feature do?

Horizontal Lock is an advanced stabilization setting within the Samsung Camera app. It uses the ultra-wide lens to crop into a frame and then uses software algorithms to ensure the horizon line remains perfectly horizontal. Even if you turn your phone sideways or upside down while recording, the resulting video remains upright and level.

When will the One UI 9.0 update be available for the S25?

One UI 9.0 is based on Android 17. Following Samsung’s typical release schedule, we expect the beta testing phase to begin in late 2026, with the stable public rollout occurring towards the end of the year or early 2027.

Will this feature work on all camera lenses?

Typically, Horizontal Lock is tied to the "Super Steady" mode, which primarily utilizes the ultra-wide-angle sensor. This is because the wide field of view provides the necessary "buffer" space for the software to crop and rotate the image digitally without losing too much detail.

Is my Galaxy S25 eligible for Android 17?

Yes, Samsung has committed to seven years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S25 series. This means the device will not only receive Android 17 (One UI 9.0) but will continue to be updated well into the next decade.

🔎 The inclusion of Horizontal Lock in the leaked One UI 9.0 builds is a testament to Samsung's dedication to its user base. By porting high-end features from the S26 back to the S25, the company ensures that its flagship devices remain competitive and capable long after their initial launch. As we move closer to the official release of Android 17, Galaxy users have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future of their mobile filmmaking experience.