One UI 7.0: A detailed look at Samsung’s next major update

Samsung’s upcoming One UI 7.0, based on Android 15, is expected to roll out in late 2024. This update will bring a fresh redesign and several enhancements, but it seems the much-anticipated Galaxy AI features may not be fully realized until One UI 7.1. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:

Key Changes in One UI 7.0

1. Revamped User Interface: One UI 7.0 introduces significant design updates. Icons across core apps like Contacts, Camera, and Settings have been redesigned with more rounded and modern aesthetics. The Quick Settings panel has also been revamped for better accessibility, featuring larger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles, followed by sliders for brightness and audio control.
2. Enhanced Notifications Experience: Samsung is refining notifications with new features inspired by iOS. For instance, a dynamic notification panel similar to iOS’s Dynamic Island allows users to interact with ongoing tasks like timers directly from the notification shade. Additionally, there’s a split notifications tray option, separating notifications and quick settings into distinct panels, improving user interaction.
3. New App Lock Feature: Security gets a boost with a built-in app lock feature, allowing users to lock individual apps using passcodes or biometrics. This feature eliminates the need for third-party solutions and enhances privacy directly through Samsung’s native interface.
4. Improved Performance and Battery Optimization: One UI 7.0 aims to enhance overall performance with smoother animations and quicker app transitions. Leveraging the new capabilities of Android 15, Samsung is expected to introduce battery optimizations, potentially integrating AI-based management to limit background tasks and extend battery life.
5. Customization Options: The update brings deeper customization, allowing users to personalize lock screen shortcuts and utilize more resizable widgets. New features include a vertical app drawer, offering an alternative to the traditional horizontal scroll, and an enhanced one-handed mode for easier navigation on larger devices​.

Limited Galaxy AI Features in One UI 7.0

While One UI 6.1 introduced basic AI enhancements, Samsung is saving major Galaxy AI features for One UI 7.1, expected a few months after One UI 7.0’s launch. Features like AI Notification Summary and AI Emoji are likely to debut with One UI 7.1:

• AI Notification Summary: This feature, similar to iOS’s Notification Summary, will provide condensed previews of app notifications, helping users manage alerts more efficiently.
• AI Emoji: Inspired by the Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen, this feature will allow users to create unique emoji combinations by mixing and matching existing ones.

These AI-powered tools aim to enhance user experience but will require more development time, which is why they might be held back for a subsequent update​.

Expected Timeline and Device Compatibility

One UI 7.0 is anticipated to debut alongside the Galaxy S25 series in early 2025. Following the typical release cycle, the update will initially reach flagship models like the Galaxy S23, S24, and the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series. Over time, it will extend to mid-range devices such as the Galaxy A series. Samsung plans to provide long-term support, with eligible devices receiving the update based on their existing Android upgrade path.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s One UI 7.0 looks set to offer a more polished and user-friendly experience with its design updates, improved notifications, and new customization features. However, the major leap in AI capabilities seems reserved for the subsequent One UI 7.1 update. As Samsung continues to refine its software, the focus on AI and user experience enhancements should keep Galaxy devices competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.