Samsung Unveils One UI 7: What's new for your Galaxy device

Only two months after Google released Android 15, Samsung quickly announced the availability of the beta version of One UI 7, its latest operating system based on Android 15. The new version is expected to arrive on Galaxy devices during the first quarter of 2025. So, what’s new?

First, One UI 7 comes with a design overhaul that includes new icons in Samsung's built-in apps, which resemble the look of Apple’s iOS icons. Another design innovation in One UI 7 is the "Now Bar," a sort of "Dynamic Island" displayed at the bottom of the screen. It allows quick access to notifications and basic functions even when the device is locked. At this stage, the Now Bar will support only Samsung apps.

Additionally, One UI 7 introduces significant changes to the control center, with an updated look and new features. Samsung has redesigned the control center, emphasizing widgets, similar to the approach and design adopted by Apple in iOS 18. The new widgets allow users to manage system settings and access essential information more quickly and efficiently. Samsung has also incorporated AI-based functionality into the control center, such as summarizing notifications and displaying relevant information in real time.

That’s not all—Samsung has also upgraded the camera app with a new, more intuitive interface. The camera controls and buttons have been reorganized, making them easier to use and providing quicker access to important functions. Additionally, the Pro Photo mode now offers an improved display of advanced settings, giving photographers more precise control over parameters such as ISO, shutter speed, and more. The Pro Video mode has also received a significant upgrade, with a new zoom control.

Regarding privacy, we also see an upgrade—the new version introduces an "Identity Check," a feature requiring users to verify their identity in cases of unauthorized access attempts, using facial recognition or a fingerprint. Additionally, the system provides unprecedented control over network connections, allowing users to block unsecured 2G networks and prevent automatic connections to unknown networks.

The security of messages and photos has also been significantly upgraded. Users can now remove location data from photos and block suspicious links in text messages. Shared photo albums can be restricted, as can the automatic download of attached files.