Samsung has confirmed the upcoming One UI 7 update will introduce several new features and a brief delay in its beta rollout timeline. The update primarily focuses on enhancing AI capabilities across Galaxy devices. It is set for release in January 2025 alongside the Galaxy S25 series. Users have expressed their anticipation as the beta version is still awaited, with reports indicating a possible launch around mid-December 2024. Meanwhile, leaked APKs for various Samsung apps give some insight into the changes users can expect.
Key features of One UI 7
Leaker Chunvn8888 shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Samsung’s Spanish website has officially mentioned One UI 7.
The leak that it will bring a fresh design including new icons, a smart notification center, and an updated lock screen that displays ongoing activities. The AI Portrait Studio feature will allow users to transform portraits into artistic images using themes such as Comic and 3D Cartoon. AI advancements will also include the ability to convert sketches into enhanced images, while users will need to be connected to the internet and logged into a Samsung account for several features, which might also add a watermark to generated images.
While the new features are generating excitement, some previously announced AI functions may not debut until One UI 7.1, which raises concerns about Samsung fulfilling user expectations regarding promised enhancements. This pattern of delayed introductions for anticipated features has been noted across the tech industry. The Galaxy AI features will be accessible free of charge on compatible devices until the end of 2025.
The rollout will encompass a wide range of devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, and various Galaxy Tab models. Despite the extensive list of compatible devices, Samsung has not provided any specific release dates or beta rollout schedules, suggesting that the information may have emerged prematurely.
One UI 7 borrowing big from iOS: Here’s the proof
As anticipation builds for One UI 7, users have managed to access leaked APKs for several Samsung applications that will come with the update, including Calendar, Voice Recorder, and Reminder. While these APKs allow users on Galaxy smartphones to get a preview of upcoming changes, installation may not be seamless, and some functionality could be limited, as these versions are likely early builds.
Screenshots from the Calendar app indicate significant visual changes, with modified home screen widgets and updated backgrounds for alarms and reminders. The Voice Recorder app also sees some adjustments, though they are less extensive compared to the Calendar app. Users interested in testing these applications can download them from APKMirror, but caution is advised due to potentially unstable performance.
In response to the potential for poor performance with these ports, users have the option to revert to the current versions of these apps available in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. To install the leaked APKs, users must ensure that the Auto Blocker feature is disabled in their device security settings, as it can block installations from unknown sources.
As the tech community awaits the first beta release of One UI 7, speculation continues about the precise timeline for both the beta and stable versions. Concerns linger regarding whether promised features will be delivered in a timely manner or if further delays could affect user satisfaction. The absence of clear communication from Samsung regarding the beta schedule leaves much to be desired.
Featured image credit: N.Tho.Duc/Unsplash
