Samsung has released a beta version of the One UI 7 firmware based on Android 15, offering a wide range of changes and updates. These range from visual redesigns to exciting new features. Here’s a detailed overview of what’s new in One UI 7.
Lock Screen, Desktop, and Notifications
One of the most notable changes in One UI 7 is the addition of the “Now Bar,” an analogue of the Live Activities feature. This widget appears at the bottom of the lock screen and provides real-time information. Whether it’s media playback, a voice recorder, a timer, or health-related data from Samsung Health, the Now Bar gives you easy access to this information without unlocking your phone. Additionally, the clock styles have been updated, now offering more preset options, customizable positions, fonts, sizes, and animations. The lock screen is also more versatile, with the option to quickly launch the QR scanner or other widgets.
One UI 7 has also received a significant overhaul in terms of the user interface. The blur effect is now present in many menus, providing a cleaner, more focused experience by highlighting key elements. Icon names can now be hidden, and the size and labels of icons can be customized. Widgets have also been improved with the ability to adjust their size and add signatures. Another noteworthy addition is the redesigned folder view, which now allows you to open utilities without expanding the folder. However, the Galaxy Edge Panels, previously available for download from the Galaxy Store, are no longer supported.
The notification and quick settings panels have been separated by default. Users can swipe from the right and left to access each section, and the option to revert to the previous layout is still available in the settings. Additionally, One UI 7 now introduces grouped notifications that are displayed as stacks. Dynamic notifications, or “Live Notifications,” can now appear in the status bar, offering progress updates for timers, workouts, and more. These features improve overall user experience, providing better organization and accessibility.
Galaxy AI, Charging, and Gaming Enhancements
Samsung’s proprietary AI has also received updates in One UI 7, offering improved text tools. The assistant can now correct errors, apply formatting, change presentation style, and even generate summaries of lengthy messages. The dialer now includes a feature that lets users view transcripts of recorded conversations. These transcripts are stored in the “Recent” section, with the option to delete specific objects from photos in the gallery. These improvements further enhance the AI’s usefulness, making everyday tasks more efficient.
The power-saving mode in One UI 7 has also been updated with more granular control. Users can now choose specific processes or functions to disable in order to conserve battery life. Additionally, Samsung has introduced optional overcharge protection, which helps preserve battery longevity by limiting the charge to between 80-95%. The adapter connection animation has been made more compact and is displayed at the bottom of the screen, so as not to distract from the main activities. For gaming enthusiasts, the Game Booster feature has been revamped to allow users to set individual performance parameters for different games. Resource-intensive titles can be optimized for maximum performance, while simpler games can be run in an energy-saving mode.
Software Menu, Multitasking, and Clock Improvements
One UI 7 also brings updates to the software menu and multitasking capabilities. The application list now scrolls vertically, with an option to return to the previous page-by-page layout if preferred. The Finder search bar has been repositioned to the bottom for easier access. The recent apps menu has been redesigned, with apps now stacked on top of each other, making it easier to manage multiple windows without switching between them.
A small yet practical update has been made to the “Clock” app. It now supports a group of alarms, allowing users to adjust the volume for a set of selected presets and turn them on or off simultaneously. Additionally, the system zoom option has been simplified, now requiring just one finger instead of the traditional two-finger pinch. This change is especially helpful for users who find the pinch gesture difficult.
Camera Enhancements
The camera app in One UI 7 has undergone a significant redesign, focusing on a more intuitive layout. The “Other modes” section is now smaller, ensuring it doesn’t block the viewfinder. Exposure settings can now be customized for each preset, and these settings are saved the next time you open the camera app. The grid for aligning the frame now offers horizontal or vertical lines, making it easier to align shots. In Pro mode, users can also adjust the zoom speed during video recording, providing greater control over their footage.
For photo editing, One UI 7 introduces more flexibility when creating collages. Users can adjust the size and position of photos with ease. The “live” photo editor now includes boomerang and slow-motion effects, giving users more creative freedom. The process of sharing short videos on social networks has also been streamlined, allowing for a quicker and easier sharing experience.
Availability of One UI 7
Currently, the beta version of One UI 7 is available for the Galaxy S24 series devices in several countries, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, notes NIX Solutions. Users can join the testing program via the Samsung Members service. The firmware supports 29 languages, ensuring a broad reach. As for the official release, it is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2025. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available. Below is a list of the devices compatible with One UI 7:
Flagships:
- Galaxy S21, S22, S23, and S24 series
- Galaxy S21 FE, S22 FE, S23 FE, and S24 FE
- Galaxy Z Flip3, Z Flip4, Z Flip5, and Z Flip6
- Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, and Z Fold6
Tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+
- Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro
- Galaxy Tab S8 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+
Galaxy A, M, and F Series:
- Galaxy A06
- Galaxy A05s, A15, A25, A35, A55
- Galaxy A14, A24, A34, A54
- Galaxy A33, A53, A73
- Galaxy M14 and F14
- Galaxy M34, M54, F54
- Galaxy M35, M55, and F55