Samsung
One UI 6.1.1 update to include improved side button functionality
Samsung is currently testing the One UI 6.1.1 build on select flagship models and is expected to release it soon. Meanwhile, moderators have confirmed several features that will come with this update. Now, the company has confirmed that the One UI 6.1.1 update will enhance the functionality of the side button on Samsung devices.
Recently, a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 user reported a frustrating issue where the side button on the cover screen fails to open apps like the calculator directly. Instead, users are notified to unfold their devices to use the app.
Samsung has acknowledged the side button issue and assured users that the team is working to fix it in the upcoming One UI 6.1.1 update. This information has been revealed by the community moderator.
One UI 6.1.1 update is expected to include improvements specifically for improving the functionality of the side button so users can easily use it to operate their phones. However, the moderator has not given any information about the release date of this major update.
Furthermore, some reports also suggest that the One UI 6.1.1 update will bring significant changes as it will be as big as One UI 6.1. So stay tuned for more information.
One UI 6.1.1 update will be as big as One UI 6.1, Samsung mod says
Samsung
One UI 7 will skyrocket Samsung Galaxy S25 user experience
Samsung is the last among all Android smartphone makers to release an Android 15 based software upgrade for its devices but it seems that the One UI 7 delay is highly relative to the Galaxy S25 series user experience.
Last year, Samsung released the One UI 6 beta program in August, right after the Android 14 release. The software is packed with new personalization features.
This year, Google also pushed the Android 15 release to October, which allowed Samsung to delay its beta activity by a few months and take the stable release around the Galaxy S25 series release in January 2025.
Yesterday, the phone maker started the One UI 7 beta rollout for the Galaxy S24 series. The program first landed in Germany, the US, and the UK and will expand through other markets.
The latest software is designed with a new approach and differentiates from the current One UI version. Among these, Samsung has paid full attention to UI and animations.
The first beta revealed that the old-school quick settings panel is now divided into two sections. One is dedicated to notifications and the other is for quick settings.
The notifications panel uses onboard AI to manage your notifications and decide the priority for what’s important. The new quick settings help you organize the icons better than One UI 6.1.
It has sections organized for easy access, media, connectivity, and volume sliders. Furthermore, the edit option is reinvented for a more personalized user experience.
Samsung has changed the app icons for a fresh look and the touch response has been improved as well.
The key attraction for the software also brings us to animation.
The changes made to the UI are directly related to the transitions throughout the software, which include the lock screen, lock and wake-up sequence, switching apps, and more.
The minimalistic Now Bar widgets are unique and catch attention. For example, the mini widget in the bottom allows you to tap and enlarge it in the center. It offers key options to manage their essential features without unlocking the device.
However, the concept here is to improve the finger’s reach at the bottom. Also, the animation of enlarging the widget is very smooth.
The existing One UI version keeps such widgets in the center by default and doesn’t offer such flexibility, especially not at this scale.
Galaxy S25
The next-gen Samsung flagship is coming with a new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This is the fastest Snapdragon chip Qualcomm has ever designed for mobile devices. It has a better neural processing unit for generative AI, allowing the S25 devices to deliver new AI features.
One UI 7’s user experience will also rely on this new chip. The enhanced performance will take power from Snapdragon 8 Elite to render the visuals and animations on screen.
As a result, the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup will be able to visualize the entire One UI 7 experience like never before.
Furthermore, the new flat screen and low bezels in Galaxy S25 Ultra will maximize the One UI 7 further.
Check our S25 series section to know more.
Samsung
Samsung officially teases Galaxy S25 series with One UI 7 launch
For the first time, Samsung has officially posted a brief teaser for the upcoming Galaxy S25 series devices with the One UI 7 launch. The Korean phone maker has unveiled its newest mobile software based on Android 15.
It is currently available in Galaxy S24, S24+, and S25 Ultra. These three devices can sign up for the latest One UI beta via the Samsung Members app (check more details here).
This new One UI version has plenty of new features including the new Now Bar, which offers seamless interactions with essential features directly from the lock screen.
This feature is being prompted for the next-gen Galaxy S series devices.
“Set to be supported on upcoming Galaxy S series devices” Samsung mentioned in the One UI 7 press release. The company has not provided a context or a specific name for these devices but we need no proof of what’s heading our way.
Samsung has planned S25 as its next flagship lineup featuring three devices – S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. These phones will continue the legacy of last year’s devices except for the high-end version with radical changes.
The S25 Ultra will stand out as the most improved smartphone this year with a flat frame design.
The Korean phone maker did not opt for this design language until the Galaxy S24 and S24+, while the S24 Ultra still had some vibes of the previous S and Note series with sharp corners and slightly curved frames.
That will change with the new S25U and reflect all over the device including a polished Titanium material.
Along with that, the S25 series will adopt the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with improved performance for single and multi-core. Early comparison shows this new chip will provide better all-round performance over the Galaxy S24.
Samsung has not officially announced a launch date for the Galaxy S25 series but it could unveil somewhere in early Q1 2025.
Samsung
What you can expect from Samsung One UI 7.0 beta program in the US?
Samsung hasn’t yet started the One UI 7.0 beta program in the US, but there will soon be one. The One UI beta program is generally available for eligible Samsung Galaxy devices in the US.
As per the latest confirmation, the One UI 7 beta program is set to start on December 5th for the Galaxy S24 series users in Germany and the UK. The US users are likely to receive the beta program invitation banner in their Samsung Members app installed on the devices.
Typically, the latest flagship models like the Galaxy S series (Galaxy S24 and S23) and sometimes newer foldable (Fold6 and Fold5) devices are included in the initial rollout of the One UI beta program. Older flagships and some mid-range models might also join the beta program later.
What do we know about the Samsung Beta program?
The beta program often starts in select regions with countries like the US, South Korea, India, and Germany being among the first to receive access. However, no exact schedule is provided for when each country will join the beta program except Germany.
When and where do we receive the beta update in the US?
Specifically, the One UI beta program in the US has been available through select carriers. T-Mobile often participates in Samsung’s One UI beta programs. It is among the first carriers to support beta versions in the US.
Additionally, unlocked Samsung Galaxy devices in the US can join the beta program. Other carriers like Verizon and AT&T don’t offer the beta program for the carrier-locked Galaxy devices. However, unlocked models on these networks can still participate in the beta program.
For the US, you can sign up through the Samsung Members app, which is necessary for participation. To get the beta, you need to follow this:
1. Download the Samsung Members app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
2. Log in with a Samsung Account.
3. Look for the banner or notice about the One UI Beta Program and register.
While exact release dates can vary, based on the information available, the One UI 7 beta is anticipated to start around December 5th for eligible devices, with a full release expected in January alongside new device launches, the Galaxy S25 series.
Note: The article is updated on December 4th with the latest available information for Samsung Galaxy users in the US.