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.

Samsung is working on the Android 15-based One UI 7 OS for its Galaxy devices. At the SDC 2024, we heard about the One UI 7 for the first time from Samsung. On December 5th, the company introduced the beta version of One UI 7 for early testers.

As Samsung Galaxy users and true fans, we eagerly await the latest software update. Here’s all you need to know about this big update, directly from Samsung.

Samsung One UI 7 Beta Release Information:

The One UI 7 Beta has officially been launched. The beta rollout started on December 5, 2024, giving users an early look at what One UI 7 has to offer. We could have the One UI 7 Beta 2 on December 16, 2024.

One UI 7 Beta Eligible Countries:

Initially, the One UI 7 beta program is available in six countries, officially confirmed information.

• Germany
• India
• South Korea
• Poland
• United Kingdom
• United States
• China

Note: The beta program is currently live in the US, UK, Germany, and Korea.

One UI 7 Beta Eligible Devices:

The first wave of devices to receive the beta update includes:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra)

While the Galaxy S24 series kicks off the beta, Samsung has hinted at expanding to more devices in the coming weeks, but no official list beyond the S24 has been confirmed yet.

One UI 7 Beta features:

The One UI 7 brings a set of new features for Samsung Galaxy devices. Some of the key features are:

• Now Bar: A dynamic bar on the lock screen offers quick access to apps like Interpreter, Music, and Stopwatch, enhancing the lock screen functionality.
• Enhanced AI Capabilities: New AI-powered writing tools that can summarize text, check spelling and grammar, and format notes into bullet points.
• Redesigned UI: Updated icons, widgets, and a more intuitive camera interface for easier navigation and control.
• Security Enhancements: New features in Knox Matrix for a transparent security status across connected devices.

One UI 7 Beta Downloading:

To get your hands on the One UI 7 Beta, you must have the Samsung Members app installed on your eligible Samsung Galaxy device. It’s where you’ll find the registration process and subsequent updates.

• Registration for the One UI 7:
  • Open the Samsung Members app.
  • Look for the “Registration for One UI 7 Beta Program” banner or check under “Notices”.
  • Tap “Join Now”, agree to the terms, and you’ll be enrolled.
• Software Update:
  • After registration, go to Settings > Software Update on your device and select “Download and install”.

One UI 7 Beta Availability in the US:

In the US, both carrier-locked and unlocked Samsung Galaxy devices are eligible for the beta.

• Carriers: T-Mobile models. Other carriers like Verizon and AT&T do not offer the beta program for the locked devices.
• Unlocked Units: If your device is unlocked, you’re good to go on all US carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

Importance of the Samsung Members App:

The Samsung Members app isn’t just for One UI 7 beta registration; you can do the following things:

• Feedback submission on beta software.
• Getting direct support from Samsung.
• Accessing exclusive features and community discussions about Samsung devices.

Exiting the Beta Program:

If you decide the beta isn’t for you:

• Go back to the Samsung Members app.
• Find “Beta feedback” and choose “Leave the Beta Program”.
• You’ll then be prompted to roll back to the stable version, which might require a device reset.

Risks of Beta Participation:

Remember, beta software can be buggy: usually, beta builds are too buggy, that’s why we call it beta. There’s some risk involved during the beta testing of any software. Some of the major risks are:

• Data Loss: Always back up your data before installing beta software.
• Stability Issues: Expect potential app crashes or performance lags.
• Software Rollback: Returning to a stable version might require a full reset.

One UI 7 Beta bugs and issues:

While the One UI 7 beta is designed to be as stable as possible, early reports indicate there are some bugs and issues, found by beta testers. They are given below,

• Some users have experienced animation glitches.
• Minor issues with app compatibility.
• Occasional system lag, particularly switching between apps.
• Some apps are crashing due to incompatibility.

The rollout has been smooth so far, with Samsung focusing on user feedback to improve features before the stable release expected in early 2025 alongside the Galaxy S25 series.

As we explore more of the One UI 7 Beta, we’ll keep you updated with all the latest developments. Stay tuned to SammyFans.com for all the insider information on Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta.

Remember, participating in a beta program is not just about trying new features; it’s about shaping the future of Samsung’s software for millions of users worldwide. Enjoy beta testing, Team Galaxy.