Samsung’s latest One UI 7 update brings significant changes to the popular LockStar module, removing a key feature that many users have come to rely on. The ability to customize lock screen notifications through LockStar will no longer be available once devices are updated to One UI 7.
What’s Changing with LockStar in One UI 7
LockStar, part of Samsung’s Good Lock suite of customization tools, previously allowed users to extensively modify how notifications appeared on their lock screen. This included options to adjust the size, color, transparency and overall style of notification cards. However, with the One UI 7 update, these notification customization features have been removed from LockStar.
A Samsung community manager confirmed this change on the official forums, stating:
Customizing notification items is no longer supported in One UI 7.0 LockStar. However, we will continue to monitor customer responses and consider supporting it in the future, so please keep this in mind.
This means that while LockStar will still be available through Good Lock on One UI 7 devices, one of its core features has been eliminated.
Why Samsung Made This Change
Samsung has not provided a detailed explanation for removing LockStar’s notification customization abilities. However, some potential reasons could include:
- Streamlining the user experience by reducing redundant customization options
- Improving system stability by limiting third-party modifications to core UI elements
- Encouraging users to adopt Samsung’s built-in lock screen customization tools
It’s worth noting that One UI 7 does introduce some new lock screen customization options natively, which may partially offset the loss of LockStar’s capabilities.
What Lock Screen Customization Options Remain
While LockStar’s notification tweaks are gone, One UI 7 still offers several ways to personalize your lock screen:
- Clock styles: Choose from various digital and analog clock designs
- Color schemes: Adjust the color palette of lock screen elements
- Wallpapers: Set custom static or dynamic wallpapers
- Widgets: Add informational widgets like weather or calendar events
- Shortcuts: Customize quick access app shortcuts
These options are accessible directly through the system Settings app, without needing to install Good Lock or LockStar.
How Users Are Reacting
The removal of LockStar’s notification customization has been met with mixed reactions from the Samsung community. Many users have expressed disappointment, as this feature allowed for a truly unique lock screen experience. Some have even suggested they may delay updating to One UI 7 to retain this functionality.
Others are more accepting of the change, noting that Samsung’s built-in customization options have improved over time. There’s also hope that Samsung may reconsider and bring back the feature in a future update, given their statement about monitoring user feedback.
What to Do If You Want to Keep LockStar Notification Customization
If LockStar’s notification features are essential to your device setup, you have a few options:
- Delay updating: Hold off on installing One UI 7 when it becomes available for your device.
- Provide feedback: Use Samsung’s official channels to express your desire for this feature to return.
- Explore alternatives: Look into third-party lock screen replacement apps, though these may have limitations compared to LockStar.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Lock Screen Customization
While the removal of LockStar’s notification customization is a setback for some users, it’s important to remember that Samsung’s software ecosystem is constantly evolving. The company has shown willingness to respond to user feedback in the past, so there’s always a possibility that enhanced lock screen customization could return in future updates.
In the meantime, users can explore the new features and improvements that One UI 7 brings to the table, while also making use of the remaining lock screen personalization options.
The loss of LockStar’s notification customization in One UI 7 marks a significant shift in Samsung’s approach to lock screen personalization. While some users may miss this feature, the update also brings new possibilities for device customization. As always, the key is to explore the new options available and provide constructive feedback to shape future updates.