Samsung's One UI 7 has been billed as the company's most significant Android update in years, boasting a fresh design and a plethora of new features. However, the rollout of this highly anticipated update has been marred by delays and technical issues, leading to frustration among users and tech enthusiasts alike.
The journey to the release of One UI 7 has been anything but smooth. After a mysteriously delayed beta program and months of poor communication, Samsung finally began rolling out One UI 7 to the public on April 10, 2025. This rollout came a full six months after Android 15 was made available to Pixel users. Just days later, however, Samsung abruptly paused the update due to reported flaws.
As someone who has been using One UI 7 since late January, first on the Galaxy S25 and more recently on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the author has expressed a mix of excitement and disappointment. "One UI 7 is the Samsung update I’ve been waiting for," they stated, highlighting features like the Now Bar, which functions similarly to iOS's Live Activities by displaying live sports scores and timers right on the lock screen.
The new camera app also received praise for its redesigned layout, with controls conveniently moved to the bottom of the screen. Features such as a vertically scrolling app drawer, a more refined recent apps menu, and a redesigned quick settings panel have added to the overall user experience. "It’s incredible how such a simple change can make such a big difference," the author noted, emphasizing the significance of these updates.
Despite these improvements, the release of One UI 7 has raised concerns about Samsung's ability to deliver timely updates. The initial rollout was halted due to a serious locking and unlocking flaw that had been overlooked during the testing phase. "As much as I love using One UI 7, I hate everything surrounding it," the author lamented, questioning whether this could be indicative of a new trend for Samsung updates.
Samsung has historically been recognized for its commitment to software updates, boasting a seven-year update policy that is among the best in the industry. However, the current situation has created uncertainty about future releases. "If One UI 7 is barely rolling out to users in April 2025, and Android 16 is set to be released in June, why shouldn’t we believe that One UI 8 will be similarly behind schedule?" the author asked, reflecting the concerns of many Samsung users.
In a related development, it appears that the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 has restarted in South Korea as of April 18, 2025. This news brings hope to Galaxy S24 owners who have been eagerly awaiting the update. Digital Trends reported that they managed to install the One UI 7 update on a Galaxy S24 Ultra before the issues were discovered, and they did not encounter any problems with locking or unlocking the device.
Additionally, the rollout of One UI 7 for the Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Fold SE was also paused but has since resumed. The update is currently seeding in Korea with specific firmware versions designated for each device. Owners of these foldables can manually check for the update in their settings.
As Samsung navigates these challenges, the company faces a critical juncture. The excitement surrounding One UI 7's features is overshadowed by the mishandling of its rollout. Users are left wondering if Samsung can reclaim its reputation for delivering timely and effective software updates. The company's ability to manage this situation moving forward will be crucial in maintaining user trust and satisfaction.
In summary, while One UI 7 introduces a host of innovative features and improvements, the chaos surrounding its release has turned what should have been a triumphant moment for Samsung into a source of frustration. As the company works to address these issues, users are left hoping for a smoother experience with future updates.
