Unveiling One UI 7: Samsung’s Latest Mobile Software Update
Each year, Samsung enhances the foundation provided by Google’s latest Android update, known as the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), transforming it into a new iteration of its unique mobile platform, One UI. This year’s offering, One UI 7, is built upon Android 15. Currently, it comes pre-installed on the new Galaxy S25 series, which includes the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although many users are still awaiting its rollout on older devices. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new in this software update and a timeline for availability on various Galaxy models.
Key Features of One UI 7
One of the standout features of One UI 7 is the introduction of the Now Bar and Now Brief. The Now Bar serves as Samsung’s response to the Live Activities found in iOS, providing important information directly on the lock screen. This includes sports scores, navigation directions, workout statistics, media playback controls, and stopwatch functions.
The Now Brief feature complements this by delivering timely updates throughout the day. Users can expect notifications regarding upcoming meetings, weather predictions, and health data summaries from Samsung Health—all conveniently displayed for easy access.
As anticipated, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in this update. Enhancements to writing assistance make it simpler to rewrite, summarize, and create text in any application using any Android keyboard. Additionally, AI-driven call transcriptions allow users to have phone conversations transcribed in real time. Samsung Gallery app improvements also feature AI-enhanced search capabilities that respond to natural language queries.
In terms of battery management, One UI 7 introduces flexible adaptive charging options, enabling limits to be set beyond the standard 80% or 100%. Users can now opt for charging thresholds at 85% or 90%, which can be configured within the battery settings. Furthermore, app archiving has been expanded to a system-wide feature, meaning users can clear associated data from infrequently used applications without needing to reinstall them—saving time when returning to these apps.
The visual aesthetics of One UI 7 have also received a significant refresh. The interface appears more streamlined and contemporary compared to One UI 6, with brighter icons, widgets, and menus that are more visually appealing. The Quick Settings and notifications have been reorganized, requiring users to swipe down from different sides of the screen—although a setting is available for those who prefer the previous unified panel layout.
The Camera app has also been upgraded with a more user-friendly design, providing easier access to advanced photography features while still keeping them tucked away for those who don’t utilize them often. This overhaul contributes to a more enjoyable user experience overall.
Release Timeline for One UI 7
Samsung has announced that One UI 7 will begin rolling out to select older devices starting in April, although a comprehensive list of compatible phones has yet to be revealed. The Galaxy S24 lineup is confirmed to receive the update, having participated in a beta program since December. The beta has also been extended to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, with plans for support for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy Tab S10 series on the horizon.
Historically, Samsung has supported its flagship and mid-range devices with four years of Android updates, suggesting models as far back as the Galaxy S21 from 2021 may qualify for One UI 7. However, this remains an estimate, as official confirmations on specific devices and feature availability continue to be vague. Notably, it has been speculated that certain functions, such as Now Brief, may be exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series to stimulate sales of the latest models.
