Samsung has recently rolled out its One UI 7 update, built on Android 15, marking another giant leap for the tech behemoth's mobile software. While the new version boasts plenty of shiny new features and enhancements, it also raises eyebrows due to some apparent similarities with Apple's iOS, prompting both excitement and skepticism among users and tech critics alike.
The One UI 7 update has not gone unnoticed; it was launched with significant upgrades, including improved security features and user interfaces. While many of these updates are innovative, some features appear to have drawn inspiration from Apple's iOS design choices, raising questions about originality.
One major area where Samsung seems to take cues from Apple is with its new Dynamic Island-inspired features. The first of these additions is the "Now Bar" on the lock screen, which displays real-time updates on timers, music playback, and other active notifications. On top of this, the "Live Notifications" feature in the status bar enables users to see task controls with just a tap. While the implementation is different, it enhances usability and, dare we say, is quite welcomed by fans of multitasking.
Further blurring the lines between the two platforms, Samsung has introduced widget naming conventions similar to those found on iOS. Users can now toggle app names on and off for widgets, as well as change the dimensions of app icons, replicable with iOS 18’s customizations.
Another significant transformation is found within the multitasking interface. Judging by the new layout, it's clear Samsung has taken hints from Apple, as the multitasking view closely resembles its iOS counterpart. This transparency and ease of access align with the growing trend among mobile users who appreciate simplicity and efficiency.
Samsung hasn’t stopped there; it has also introduced several design tweaks, such as the new battery icon—a subtle yet notable shift echoing Apple's design ethos. The updated charging animation, transforming the battery icon color to green when plugged, is proof of this thoughtfulness.
One UI 7 also brings changes to notifications. With the new split design separating the notification tray from Quick Settings, users might feel as if they are experiencing iOS interactions. By swiping down from the top left for notifications and the top right for Quick Settings, Samsung has woven creativity and functionality seamlessly together. Yet, for those who dread the iOS aesthetic, Samsung has maintained optionality to toggle these features, keeping user preference at the heart of its design philosophy.
Notably, One UI 7 also emphasizes security enhancements through its Knox Matrix dashboard. This new interface not only aggregates the security status of connected devices but presents it through clear indicators, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to user safety. If all systems are go, these devices appear with green indicators; any issue will prompt user action through clear recommendations.
To bolster security, Samsung has introduced new recovery options for its Enhanced Data Protection, enhancing the data transfer process securely via the lock screen. Users can log onto their Samsung accounts without entering passwords, opting for new passkey systems instead.
The new feature to block USB connections when the device is locked is yet another example of One UI 7 prioritizing user security. While charging remains intact, users will appreciate the extra protective measures placed before potentially unauthorized access points. Added layers of security will activate if the device senses travel, requiring biometric confirmation before any personal settings can be modified.
Although One UI 7 is presently available through the beta version for select Galaxy S24 users overseas, Samsung has declared it will begin widespread distribution from the first quarter of 2025. While this does hint at exciting new features just around the corner, it remains imperative for users to understand how they can revert back to previous firmware—especially if the beta doesn’t meet expectations.
For those who opted to try the One UI 7 beta now contemplating reverting to the stable One UI 6 version, rest assured the process is straightforward. Users simply need to withdraw their interest from the beta program before restoring the stable build through Samsung’s Smart Switch application. This method safeguards data during the transition, avoiding the typical headaches associated with drafting back to older versions.
To downgrade successfully, users should start by opening the Samsung Member app and exploring their beta program options. Following the withdrawal, Smart Switch lets users backup the current settings before rolling back to One UI 6 without losing their data.
The entire process entails connecting the Galaxy device to a PC, launching Smart Switch, and proceeding through options to back up data, followed by the downgrade option. If all goes seamlessly, users will find themselves back on the stable One UI 6 build with their data intact, ready to use their device unhindered by beta bugs.
To conclude, Samsung’s One UI 7 stands out not just for its advancements but for the intriguing echoes of Apple’s design philosophies within its framework. For Samsung devotees, the debate on whether these similarities are beneficial or merely derivative continues to spark conversations among users.