Everything you need to know about Samsung's One UI 7.0

Samsung recently unveiled its much-anticipated One UI 7 at the SDC 2024 event, highlighting three guiding principles: simplicity, impact, and emotion.

While excitement mounts, the stable release of One UI 7—closely integrated with Android 15—isn’t expected until the Galaxy S25 series launch. The beta, initially slated for July, has also now been pushed to December.

In the meantime, early glimpses of the interface have surfaced, hinting at UI changes and features that appear to draw some inspiration from Apple's recent updates.

With so much buzz around One UI 7, let’s take a closer look at what Samsung’s latest update might bring, at least in its beta form.

New UI Elements

As mentioned before, Samsung said the latest update will be simple, impactful and emotive. Based on the leaks, it seems the company has really been zoning in on that vision with the different UI upgrades it implemented.

First, several native app icons—like those for the camera, gallery, and settings—have been updated. They now feature a more rounded design, offering users a fresh look. 

Also, One UI 7 is expected to feature a slight change to Samsung devices' animations and interactions, one aspect that really shows this is the slight change allowing tasks to overlap a bit, kind of like flipping through a weird book, rather than swiping from card to card.

Improved Quick Settings Panel and New Split Notification Tray

The One UI 7 update is also expected to introduce a redesigned Quick Settings panel and a split notifications tray, based on recent leaks and images from leaker SammyGuru below.

The updated Quick Settings panel may feature large, pill-shaped icons for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at the top, with smaller quick-access tiles and sliders below, while reserving space for a media playback panel. Although it might look spacious, this layout, according to the leaker, aims to make media controls more accessible without adding clutter

Additionally, the split notification tray could allow users to swipe down from the left for notifications and from the right for quick settings, providing a two-page view similar to Xiaomi’s MIUI/HyperOS. For those who prefer a traditional layout, Samsung may offer an option to merge the panels into a single view.

New Layout for Camera App

One UI 7 may also come with camera app redesigns that shift key controls, such as flash, aspect ratio, and settings, to just above the shutter button, while placing main camera modes (e.g., Portrait, Video, and Night Mode) directly below it.

This layout change keeps the top portion of the screen empty, making it easier to reach controls one-handed without compromising functionality, as indicated in the leaks. This design choice could enhance usability and accessibility for users who prioritize a seamless, single-handed experience.

New Widget & Styles

Leaked visuals further suggest that One UI 7 may bring new widgets with rounded designs and a frosted blur effect, which resembles iOS’s style. In images shared by @colours on X, a new Internet widget displays data usage and time remaining, using a frosted effect that feels visually similar to iOS’s blur styling.

If true, this iOS-inspired effect could be part of Samsung’s broader move to create a sleek and modern aesthetic in One UI 7, with options that still allow customization of colours and styles for themes.

A New Galaxy Avatar?

It also looks like Samsung might replace AR Emojis with new Galaxy Avatars. A sneak peek of this feature shown at Sammobile had a "Galaxy Avatar" menu in the "Advanced features" menu.

While there are many speculations over what this could mean or be used for, the prevailing theory is that Samsung might be looking to replace AR Emojis with it. 

Bixby might become AI-Powered

Although it may be late to the game, better late than never—rumours suggest that One UI 7 will introduce Samsung users’ very own AI-powered assistant. Beebom reports that the AI-enhanced Bixby will likely assist with basic on-device tasks such as voice transcription, contextual replies, real-time translation, and call screening, highlighting Galaxy AI's capabilities.

What devices will be compatible with One UI 7?

The update should reach virtually all Samsung phones and tablets that originally launched with Android 13, aligning with Samsung's four-year update promise. This means recent Galaxy flagships and select mid-range models released from 2021 onward are highly likely to receive One UI 7.

Based on Samsung’s past rollout patterns, here’s a preview of models that are likely eligible:

• Galaxy S series: All devices from the S21 to the S24 (including FE editions).
• Galaxy Z series: Foldable devices, from Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 onward.
• Galaxy Tab series: All models in the Tab S8 and S9 lineups.
• Galaxy A series: Newer Galaxy A models, including A15, A25, A35, and A55, plus recent predecessors (A54, A34, etc.).
• Galaxy F and M series: Supported globally, covering most international models.

Conclusion

As excitement builds for One UI 7, recent leaks have teased an array of potential updates that could transform the Samsung experience. From a revamped Quick Settings panel to sleek, iOS-inspired widgets, and even a possible AI-enhanced Bixby assistant, Samsung’s commitment to “simplicity, impact, and emotion” is reflected in these rumoured features.

However, it’s worth remembering that these details come from unconfirmed sources, so the final release may bring unexpected changes. For now, the upcoming beta promises an intriguing look at what’s to come, but we’ll have to wait until the Galaxy S25 launch for Samsung’s official unveiling of One UI 7’s full capabilities.