Ready for the Lowdown on Samsung's One UI 7? Here's the Scoop!
Upgraded Functionality in Samsung's One UI 7: An Overview
Every year, Samsung takes what Google conjures up with the annual Android update and transforms it into a fresh version of One UI—their personalized mobile operating system, chock-full of Samsung goodies. This year, we're looking at One UI 7, based on Android 15.
One UI 7 makes its grand entrance on the new Galaxy S25 phones, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. But for the rest of us, it's a waiting game as we anticipate the rollout. Let's dive into what's new with the software update and when you can expect it on your Galaxy device.
Top Features in One UI 7
The headline features in One UI 7 include the Now Bar and Now Brief. Imagine iOS Live Activities adapted to Samsung's style—the Now Bar displays pertinent information right on the lock screen, such as sports scores, map directions, workout stats, media playback controls, and stopwatch timers.
Now Brief offers regular updates of essential information you need throughout the day, like alerts for upcoming meetings, weather forecasts, or Samsung Health stats.
Expect some AI-powered upgrades too: Writing assist tools have been refined for seamless text rewriting, summarizing, and composing across any app using any Android keyboard. AI call transcriptions will transcribe spoken conversations on the phone, and AI search gets smarter with natural queries in the Samsung Gallery app.
There are minor improvements for device maintenance as well, such as adjustable charging limits beyond the standard 80% and 100% options, and app archiving becoming a system-level feature. One UI 7 also recommends apps you should archive to free up space.
One UI 7 welcomes a visual overhaul, making it cleaner and more modern, with a fresh look for icons, widgets, and menus. The Quick Settings and notification panels have been split up for easier access. Prefer the old combined panel? There's a setting for that. Finally, the default Camera app gets a revamp, offering a more intuitive interface.
When's One UI 7 Coming?
Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 will be rolled out to some older devices in April, although the specific models haven't been listed yet. The Galaxy S24 range will definitely get the update, as the beta program for these devices launched in December.
The beta program has also been extended to include the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, with support for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy Tab S10 series coming soon. However, due to differing join times, it's unclear when these devices will get the final One UI 7 release in April.
Generally, Samsung provides four years of Android updates to flagship and mid-range devices, so phones as far back as the Galaxy S21 (released in 2021) may be eligible—although this is just an estimate, not an official confirmation. The rollout timeline may vary.
There's also some uncertainty regarding which handsets will get which One UI 7 features—Samsung hasn't provided specific details about this either. Rumors suggest that features like Now Brief may remain exclusive to the Galaxy S25 models to boost sales of the newer devices.
As the new Android update transforms into One UI 7, Samsung progresses its personalized mobile operating system with various tech advancements. Notable features include the Now Bar and Now Brief, which offer real-time information on the lock screen and regular updates on essential information. Furthermore, Samsung configures AI-powered improvements such as refined writing assist tools, AI call transcriptions, and a smarter AI search in the Samsung Gallery app. Additionally, app archiving becomes a system-level feature for easy device maintenance.
