One UI
Samsung One UI 7 to bring iOS 18-like lock screen media player UI
Samsung could bring iOS 18-like media player UI to One UI 7 lock screen. The major interface revamp could replace the current layout with a larger one. The major update is set to be released for Galaxy devices early next year.
According to Ice Universe, One UI 7 could adopt a revamped lock screen media player UI. The current stake will be replaced with a brand-new design. It could be inspired by Apple’s iOS 18, which occupies a large portion of the lock screen.
One UI 7’s lock screen media player design could feature the thumbnail in a large square. The track progress bar and other buttons could be followed in a separate overlay. The blur setup will decide how cool the UI revamp looks on Galaxy lock screens.
iOS-equivalent interface is a long-due demand of Galaxy fans. Samsung is seemingly on a mission to offer very significant design tweaks with the One UI 7. We’ve already heard a lot about the refreshed quick settings and notification panel.
Image – AnxiousHolly / X
Apart from the new media player UI, the next One UI update will bring brand new quick settings and a notification panel. Fruitful functional refinements have also been made to enhance the overall user experience.
The company’s developers are also ensuring smoother animations. The end result would be comparable to Apple’s iOS, reports say. Galaxy AI is also said to add several new features and deeper integration with the applications.
Samsung could launch the Beta Program this month. The Stable update rollout will only start after the unveiling of the Galaxy S25 series. Phase I devices for Beta and Stable include S24, S23, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.
Samsung is in the final phase to launch the One UI 7 Beta Program for the Galaxy S23 series. While Samsung fans awaiting the second Beta update, One UI 7 Beta preparations are already underway for last year’s Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.
In a recent development, Samsung published the One UI 7 Beta community for the Galaxy S23 series in Germany. This Community landing page will be accessible to consumers throughout the testing period after the Beta launch.
On December 5, Samsung started the One UI 7 Beta for the Galaxy S24 family. The first Beta update is also available for consumers in Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The expansion is slated to start on December 16 in India and Poland.
Samsung will roll out the stable One UI 7 update in the first quarter of 2025. The company’s flagship phones and foldables will likely receive the official update in the initial phase. Meanwhile, development for budget and mid-range models is also underway.
The creation of Galaxy S23’s landing page is a significant development. Samsung users can now expect the Beta activity to be launched in a few weeks. The company could also surprise fans with the Beta expansion before Christmas 2024.
As the Beta continues, Samsung is listening to consumers for fourth refinements. The developers are actively responding to Beta participants’ submissions. This approach will ensure the software is polished by the consumers for the consumers.
Samsung’s Beta Program for Galaxy S23 series may be available in the same markets as the Galaxy S24 series. Besides, the Galaxy S22 series may also join the Beta activity later this month, but the availability may be limited to South Korea only.
Are you excited to join the One UI 7 Beta?
Samsung might change the placement of the Now Bar in the stable One UI 7.0 version. The first Beta is available for testing in select markets, bringing cool new user interface tweaks, and a slew of new features and enhancements across the OS.
Now Bar is one of the biggest additions in Samsung One UI 7.0. It is a rich pill-shaped UI element designed to enhance user interaction. It allows seamless control of ongoing activities such as music playback, timers, or viewing charging status.
In One UI 7 Beta, the Now Bar is positioned at the bottom of the lock screen for easy one-handed use. However, the company might alter its position on the lock screen given consumer feedback and future goals with the functionality.
In a recent development, one Galaxy S24 Ultra owner described the feature as “a strange fit,” while others have praised its functionality. The user believes that Now Bar’s placement at the bottom “looks odd” and feels out of place.
Samsung One UI 7 Now Bar (Source – Samsung)
The user argued that the screen appeared cleaner and more elegant when similar functionalities were positioned in the upper left corner of the lock screen.
In addition, the user highlighted that the current placement makes the Now Bar harder to reach with one hand on larger devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Samsung’s Response
Samsung’s quick response came shortly after the post was published in the US Members’ community. The moderator acknowledged the feedback and forwarded the user’s feedback to the development team for review.
“Thank you for sharing your valuable suggestion on the Now Bar location. We have forwarded your feedback to the development team for review.
The project manager is currently evaluating its alignment with our design concept and goals. If your suggestion aligns with our direction, we will consider applying it to the official release.”
This response highlights the company’s openness to user input while testing the Galaxy software and its dedication to refining One UI based on real-world usage.
What Next?
It’s up to the development team to finalize the placement of Now Bar. However, the moderator’s consideration of user feedback suggests that the Now Bar’s placement might be adjusted before the official release of One UI 7.0.
While the current design prioritizes one-handed usability, the company might explore alternative placements or provide customization options with a stable One UI 7.0 version, such as letting users choose between top and bottom positions.
One UI 7 Now Bar | Image: SakiTech
Owners of the Galaxy S24 series have joined the One UI 7 Beta Program. Samsung dropped the One UI 7 Beta 1 in four countries last week. Now, Samsung’s Beta participants are awaiting the release of One UI 7 Beta 2.
The first Beta lets users experience the brand-new software. Beta Program brings early access to smoother animations, fluid, and natural transition effects, new Galaxy AI features, and software innovations from Samsung.
One UI 7’s first Beta has some bugs that should be addressed soon. The company has also acknowledged some consumer complaints about the Beta firmware. We expect a pretty improved experience with the second Beta update.
When to Expect the One UI 7 Beta 2
- Expected to be released on December 16.
One UI Beta hasn’t yet launched in India and Poland. Previously, the One UI 7 Beta was rumored to start on December 12 in India. Meanwhile, Samsung delayed the Program’s expansion without revealing the reason.
Now, the Beta Program is scheduled to be kicked off on December 16, 2025. It is expected that Samsung will drop the second Beta for initial Beta participants around the One UI 7 Beta expansion to the consumers in the remaining markets.
One UI 7 Beta 2 – What to expect?
- Smoother animations, fluid transitions
- Enhanced performance and lesser app incompatibility
- Bug fixes and overall user experience improvements
Samsung will improve the animation and transition effects in the next Beta updates. Galaxy users can expect smoother and more natural system animations in the second Beta. However, the overall improvements will be included in the final version.
The lock screen blur system is also buggy in the initial Beta update. The overall design is just stunning but the notification cards on the lock screen skip adapting the same blur effect, leaving the overlay colored White with transparency.
One UI 7 Lock Screen Notification Blur | Image: IceUniverse
Some Good Lock modules and Android Auto are not compatible with the One UI 7 Beta. The software has gained support for Good Guardians. The app incompatibility will be addressed with further Beta updates gradually.