Over time, One UI has developed into one of the most refined and robust Android interfaces. Each new version seems to enhance the user experience further. In recent years, Samsung has excelled with its software updates, often delivering them ahead of schedule. Yet, this year has not met expectations.
Samsung vs. Competitors
While Samsung has often been a leader in launching new Android versions, this year Vivo has surged ahead by launching Android 15 even before Google. It marks the first time since One UI 3.0 that Samsung won’t introduce a new One UI version publicly. Although Samsung hasn’t provided specific reasons for the delay in One UI 7.0, reports suggest that it may be the most significant update from the company in a long time, necessitating more development time.
What’s on the Horizon?
Samsung has kept most information about One UI 7.0 under wraps, but some leaks have revealed crucial details, including its rollout schedule and new features. At its Developer Conference on October 3, Samsung hinted that the new interface will emphasize a simple, impactful, and emotional Galaxy experience, introducing a new blur engine designed to enhance user interaction with the software.
Recently, OnePlus and Oppo have teased One UI's slower app performance while showcasing their Android 15-based skins. However, One UI 7 could change that narrative, promising to be the largest enhancement in Samsung’s software history. Users can expect a smoother experience with improved animations and transitions.
Exciting New Features
One UI 7.0 is rumored to come with a revamped Quick Settings panel, offering more customization options than ever. Users may be able to rearrange various quick settings toggles and sliders. The update might also introduce a two-page Quick Panel layout—one for notifications and the other for quick settings toggles—depending on which side of the status bar you swipe down from. Still, there will be an option to combine them as it was done previously.
Most Samsung apps are expected to receive new icons, with some undergoing a UI redesign. The Camera app is one of those slated for updates, potentially grouping various settings for a more streamlined appearance. The AR Emoji feature is now called Galaxy Avatar and will be integrated within the Settings app. It’s also anticipated that the AI Portrait Studio will have a fresh design, providing improved previews at the bottom of the display. Additionally, One UI 7.0 is likely to enhance Parental Controls and may incorporate more Good Lock features.
Samsung is reportedly developing a new “Cloud” app that might be part of One UI 7.0, with unclear functionalities—but it could serve as a new backup solution. The Auto Blocker feature could introduce a new Maximum Restriction mode for heightened security. Users might even have the option to fully disable thermal throttling, a feature spotted in an early software version, but its presence in the final iteration remains uncertain. Furthermore, Galaxy AI may take a lesser role in One UI 7.0, likely offering fewer features than its predecessors.
Release Timeline for One UI 7.0
Samsung has not been vocal about the release date for One UI 7.0. However, it has confirmed that the beta testing phase will begin this year, with the stable version launching alongside the Galaxy S25 series, expected in early 2025.
A recent leak suggests that the Galaxy S25 series will receive the beta in the first week of December, with the Galaxy S24 series following in 2-3 weeks. It remains uncertain whether the Galaxy S22 series will access the One UI 7.0 beta this year, and the Galaxy S21 series may be excluded from the beta program altogether.
The beta program will extend to more Galaxy devices (check for the full list here). If you are interested in the eligible devices for One UI 7.0, please visit this page.
