Samsung has officially announced One UI 7, the next generation of its smartphone interface based on Android 15, set to roll out to devices starting in January 2025. Although there was no live demonstration of the system, the company confirmed significant visual updates to the home screen and app icons.
The announcement came during Samsung’s developer conference in San Diego, USA, on October 3rd. According to Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Mobile eXperience R&D, the design overhaul of One UI 7 is guided by three core principles:
- Simplicity with Purpose: The system is designed to understand user intent, simplify complex tasks, and offer a cleaner, more consistent design.
- Impactful Impression: One UI 7 retains the bold and recognizable aesthetic that One UI users are familiar with.
- Emotional Belonging: Enhancements to animations and motion blur are aimed at making navigation smoother and more intuitive for users.
Jeong also mentioned that the home screen grid has been revamped for easier organization, and users will continue to enjoy extensive customization options through the GoodLock app. Moreover, the update will utilize Galaxy AI features to personalize the user experience further.
While no official images were shared during the event, attendees did get a chance to experience a demo version, and some images have surfaced on tech websites, offering a sneak peek at the updated design.
Only in 2025
Samsung has revamped its One UI release schedule for this year. The Beta version is now set to be released by the end of 2024, with the stable version debuting alongside the upcoming Galaxy S series—specifically the anticipated Galaxy S25—in January 2025.
In previous years, Samsung typically rolled out the interface in the last quarter of the year, initially distributing it to the latest high-end models. This year, while the Galaxy S24 series, launched in January 2024, will be utilized for Beta testing, the official launch of Android 15 will coincide with its successor, the Galaxy S25. This change in strategy highlights Samsung’s commitment to refining its user experience through extended testing before the official release.
SamMobile brought the first images.
The SamMobile website recently showcased a quick demonstration of One UI 7 running on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The video highlights several previously leaked features, including the redesigned app icons and the rounded edges of the notification list.
The update brings a fresh take on animations, particularly when accessing the list of apps currently running on the device, moving away from the standard view.
Additionally, the interface aims to enhance the one-handed navigation experience. Drawing inspiration from iOS, Samsung has introduced new gestures for quick access: users can now swipe down from the top left corner of the screen to view recent notifications and swipe down from the top right corner to access the quick actions panel. This streamlined approach is designed to make multitasking and navigation smoother for users.
