Samsung One UI 8 Beta 4 for Galaxy S25 Removes Adaptive Lock Screen Clock — What You Need to Know

Samsung’s One UI 8 has generated significant buzz since debuting on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, and now it’s inching toward the Galaxy S25 line. But recent developments in the fourth beta build — labeled ZYG5 — have raised some eyebrows. In this article, we’ll explore why Samsung temporarily removed the much‑touted Adaptive Clock feature, what it means for S25 users, and whether this signals a delay in the official release.

What Is the Adaptive Lock Screen Clock?

Think of the Adaptive Clock as a smart design twist — it dynamically wraps its digits around key subjects in your lock‑screen wallpaper, be it a person, pet, or object. Samsung describes it as a way to blend aesthetics and functionality: the clock adjusts its position and format to accentuate the image behind it. This feature previously worked well in the June (BYFB) beta for S25 devices 

Beta 4 (ZYG5) Removes the Feature

Despite expectations, the July ZYG5 beta shows no trace of the Adaptive Clock — a sharp contrast to the earlier build. Reports from SamMobile and Gadgets360 confirm that Samsung pulled the feature from internal servers 

One expert commentary from Android Headlines frames it bluntly:

The new One UI 8 beta build ... has surprisingly omitted the Adaptive Lock Screen Clock.

Why Did Samsung Remove It?

It might seem counterintuitive to discard a working feature just ahead of launch. However, there are a few possible reasons:

Hidden bugs: Sometimes features work in isolated builds but cause instability when combined with other updates.

System performance conflicts: Clock detection may be resource‑hungry, clashing with lock‑screen animations or battery‑saving features.

A speculation from Sammy Fans observes that Samsung seems to be stepping backward to fine‑tune before the final rollout 

Will One UI 8 Be Delayed for the S25?

Yes, likely — at least slightly. The removal of adaptive features and the shift to another beta build signals that Samsung isn’t ready for a stable public release yet. As Android Headlines puts it:

It’s a clear sign that One UI 8 isn’t ready for everyone.

However, Samsung’s history shows that a brief delay often results in a smoother, more polished update. When the Adaptive Clock returns in the public build, it could very well work better than in earlier betas.

User Experience: Workarounds & Previews

Adaptive Clock may be MIA in beta 4, but testers have found ways to enjoy the feature now:

Decorative frames trick: Apply a frame in the lock‑screen editor around your wallpaper’s subject. Once active, removing the frame often leaves the clock functioning 

Inconsistent detection: Even when present, the clock may not always detect pets or people reliably 

These interim solutions highlight user demand for the feature and Samsung’s progress in getting it right.

What This Means for Galaxy S25 Owners

Patience is key: If you’re a beta tester, expect a few more tweaks before the stable release.

Feature is coming back: Samsung hasn’t abandoned Adaptive Clock; it’s been pulled temporarily for polish .

No drastic delay: One UI 8 was already rolling out to foldables last week (July 9, 2025). The S25 rollout may simply lag by a few weeks—not months 

The removal of the Adaptive Lock Screen Clock in Beta 4 (ZYG5) is a calculated step by Samsung to iron out issues before wider release. While some users may be disappointed, this move hints at Samsung’s commitment to delivering a polished, reliable update. For Galaxy S25 owners, the wait may be worth it — once released, you’ll likely enjoy the Adaptive Clock in its best form yet.

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Final Takeaways

Insight	Summary
Adaptive Clock	A visual enhancer that wraps clock digits around subjects — now temporarily removed.
Beta 4 Samsung Signal	Indicates hidden issues being addressed; delay expected.
User Workaround	Try decorative frames in lock‑screen editor to re‑activate the feature.
Stable Release	Still expected soon — Samsung is fine‑tuning, not abandoning.

Samsung’s One UI 8 journey reflects its philosophy: better to delay than deliver a half‑baked experience. If you're a Galaxy S25 user, hold tight — the Adaptive Clock is bound to return, and when it does, it’ll be worth the short wait.