Samsung's anticipated One UI 7, based on Android 15, has encountered delays, with its stable release now expected in early 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. This development comes as a disappointment to Samsung users who have seen other brands, such as Google's Pixel devices, receive the Android 15 update this month. Despite the setback, Samsung has announced that a beta version of One UI 7 will be available to developers by the end of this year.
Recent leaks have provided an intriguing glimpse into the features of One UI 7, revealing significant enhancements and additions to the user interface and user experience across Samsung devices. Notably, aesthetics will see a considerable shift, with redesigned icons for common apps like Phone, Camera, Contacts, and Settings. Users will also have the option to employ icon theming, allowing for a more personalised experience.
A noteworthy change in the interface design includes separate panels for Quick Settings and the Notification Drawer, featuring pill-shaped notifications. The lock screen is set to become more user-friendly, offering customisable shortcuts and a 'Dynamic Island-like' feature displaying live activities such as music controls and timers.
Photography enthusiasts will benefit from the new AI-powered photo effects integrated into One UI 7. These enhancements will allow users to apply various stylised effects, such as Comic and Watercolor, to their portraits, akin to the Sketch to Image feature but focused on portraits rather than sketches.
However, perhaps the most significant update lies within Samsung's parental controls. The revamp focuses on extending current functionalities, introducing features that give parents enhanced oversight over their children's device usage. This includes managing app download and purchase permissions, blocking or whitelisting specific websites, and, notably, integrating live location tracking. Previously, location tracking was possible via Google Family Link, but the upcoming One UI 7 update will incorporate this directly into Samsung's system, offering parents a more streamlined way to monitor their children's online and physical safety.
The precise source of these leaked details remains unidentified, though the consistency and depth of the information suggest authenticity. As anticipation builds for the full release in 2025, Samsung users can look forward to these comprehensive updates that promise to elevate the overall digital experience on their devices.
Source: Noah Wire Services