Samsung may extend a notable Galaxy S26 video feature to the Galaxy S25 lineup through One UI 9. Horizontal Lock, a tool designed to keep footage level with the horizon, has reportedly appeared in an internal Galaxy S25+ test build.
The feature could matter most when users record while walking, running, or moving the phone through changing angles. Rather than only reducing minor shake, it is intended to preserve a straight-looking frame as the device rotates.
What Horizontal Lock Is Designed to Do
On the Galaxy S26 series, Horizontal Lock is part of the Super Steady video mode. Samsung says it can maintain the horizon position even when the phone rotates through 360 degrees.
The effect is described as producing footage that resembles gimbal-assisted recording by locking the frame orientation during capture. This could help keep subjects and backgrounds from appearing tilted when the phone is not held perfectly level.
The system uses the phone’s gyroscope and accelerometer to track movement in real time. Those sensors allow the camera system to adjust the frame as the device orientation changes.
| Device | Horizontal Lock Status | Reported Details |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 series | Available | Horizon stabilization within Super Steady mode |
| Galaxy S25 series | Seen in an internal build | Reported on Galaxy S25+ build DZG4 |
Reported Appearance on Galaxy S25+
The report comes from Fahad Ali Javed, who said in a post on X that he found Horizontal Lock while examining an internal One UI 9 build for the Galaxy S25+. The build number cited in the post is DZG4.
According to his description, recording can remain “perfectly flat with the horizon” when Horizontal Lock is enabled, even if the device is tilted or rotated. That description points to more assertive orientation control than standard video stabilization.
The reported appearance suggests Samsung may be bringing the stabilization feature back from the Galaxy S26 to the Galaxy S25 series. Still, a feature found in internal software does not confirm a public release for every eligible device.
Where Users Access It on Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26 users can access the setting by opening the Camera app and entering Video mode. They then tap the Super Steady icon and select Super Steady with Horizontal Lock.
This arrangement indicates that Horizontal Lock is integrated into Super Steady rather than offered as a separate camera mode. The Galaxy S25 could use a similar location if Samsung keeps the same implementation.
One UI 9 Availability Remains Unconfirmed
Gadgets360 reported that One UI 9, based on Android 17, is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 this month. The One UI 9 beta program is also said to be active for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S25 series in selected markets.
Samsung has not officially confirmed Horizontal Lock for the Galaxy S25 series. Until an official One UI 9 changelog is published, the feature should be treated as an internal software finding rather than a confirmed update.
If it is released, the addition could improve the camera experience of existing Galaxy S25 owners without requiring a move to a newer model. It would also represent a notable example of a newer Galaxy camera capability reaching an earlier generation.
