Samsung’s One UI 7 Hints at Cover Display App Liberation for Galaxy Z Flip, But Falls Short of a Revolution
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, with its innovative foldable design, has consistently captured attention in the smartphone market. However, one recurring criticism leveled against these stylish devices, particularly the Z Flip 5 and expectedly the upcoming Z Flip 6, revolves around the limited functionality of their cover displays. Unlike Motorola’s Razr lineup, which grants users the freedom to run virtually any app on the external screen, Samsung restricts the Z Flip’s cover display to a select few pre-approved applications out of the box. This restriction has frustrated many users who envision a more versatile and independent experience with the smaller, more accessible screen.
Currently, expanding the cover display’s app repertoire involves a somewhat cumbersome process. Users are required to delve into the depths of Samsung’s ecosystem, downloading the Good Lock application, subsequently installing and configuring a specific module known as MultiStar. This process, while effective for those willing to invest the time and effort, is far from intuitive and remains largely undiscovered by the average Z Flip owner. Samsung’s software provides no explicit guidance or readily available information about this workaround, leaving users to rely on online tutorials and community forums to unlock the full potential of their device’s cover display.
The upcoming One UI 7 update, however, offers a glimmer of hope, albeit a somewhat restrained one. As initially spotted by Android Central, Samsung appears to be acknowledging the limitations of its current approach and taking a baby step towards improving the user experience. One UI 7 introduces a new button within the settings menu, specifically on the page dedicated to enabling or disabling approved apps for the cover display. This button acts as a direct prompt, urging users to download Good Lock and the MultiStar module, effectively providing a clearer pathway to expanding the functionality of the Z Flip 6 (and potentially the Z Flip 5) cover display.
While this addition represents a welcome improvement in discoverability, it falls far short of a complete solution. The fundamental issue – the convoluted process of utilizing Good Lock and MultiStar – remains untouched. Users will still need to navigate through the installation, configuration, and potential troubleshooting associated with these tools. The underlying limitations on which apps are permitted to run and potential compatibility issues are also not addressed by this simple prompt. Essentially, One UI 7 merely shines a brighter spotlight on the existing workaround, rather than streamlining the process or removing the restrictions altogether.
The core problem remains: Samsung, for reasons perhaps related to battery optimization or user interface concerns, maintains a tightly controlled ecosystem for the Z Flip’s cover display. This stands in stark contrast to Motorola’s more open and user-centric approach. While Samsung’s reasoning may be valid, many users feel that they are being unnecessarily restricted and that the potential of the cover display is not being fully realized.
The long-term impact of this incremental change remains to be seen. Will the increased awareness of the Good Lock workaround lead to a surge in usage and further demand for a more integrated and simplified solution? Or will users continue to be frustrated by the complexity of the process, ultimately abandoning the attempt to expand the cover display’s functionality?
One UI 7 is currently available in beta for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, with a stable rollout expected to commence in late April. This provides an opportunity for Samsung to gather user feedback and potentially refine the implementation of the new Good Lock prompt before the update is widely released. User reception to this change will likely influence Samsung’s future decisions regarding cover display functionality.
Looking ahead, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is rumored to feature a significantly larger cover display. This potential increase in screen real estate naturally begs the question: will Samsung finally embrace a more open and versatile approach to cover display app usage? While the larger screen presents exciting possibilities for enhanced functionality, it remains unclear whether Samsung will leverage this opportunity to truly liberate the cover display experience. The company could, of course, simply stick to its current strategy, providing a larger canvas for a limited selection of approved applications.
Ultimately, the future of the Galaxy Z Flip’s cover display functionality hinges on Samsung’s willingness to listen to user feedback and adapt its approach. The addition of the Good Lock prompt in One UI 7 is a positive sign, indicating that Samsung is at least aware of the demand for greater versatility. However, a truly transformative change will require a more fundamental shift in strategy, one that prioritizes user freedom and allows users to fully leverage the potential of this innovative and stylish foldable device. The industry waits with bated breath to see whether the Z Flip 7 will deliver on this promise, or whether users will continue to be relegated to a limited and somewhat frustrating cover display experience.
