Samsung is preparing for significant changes with the release of One UI 7, focusing on redesigning the Quick Settings panel to enhance usability. As we compare One UI 7 to its predecessor, One UI 6, there are several updates worth noting, especially with Samsung adopting a more rounded, modern design that aims to improve user experience. The interface changes, including the adoption of “squircle” components, suggest a move toward more intuitive and accessible functionality. Let’s dive into what’s changed and what users can expect in this refreshed version.
One UI 7 Brings a More Refined Quick Settings Panel
The Quick Settings panel in One UI 7 has been overhauled to prioritize user convenience. While still in development, leaked information from reliable sources like Ice Universe gives us a glimpse into what we can expect. According to these leaks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra mockup, which features the One UI 7 interface, reveals several aesthetic and functional changes that make this upgrade quite promising.
Key Differences in Quick Settings: One UI 7 vs. One UI 6
Updated Network and Battery Indicators
One of the most noticeable differences in One UI 7 is how the network and battery indicators are displayed. In One UI 6, the battery percentage was shown outside the vertical battery icon, whereas in One UI 7, the percentage is placed inside the icon itself. This subtle change improves readability and creates a more streamlined design.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Tiles Redesigned
Another significant update in One UI 7 is the redesigned tiles for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These will now appear in the first row of Quick Settings and feature increased corner curvature to fit with the new squircle theme. One UI 6’s tiles, by comparison, are more square with only slightly curved corners. This design shift in One UI 7 gives the panel a more cohesive and visually appealing look.
Layout and Expandability
One UI 7’s layout introduces a 4×2 arrangement for key settings, making the interface more flexible. Unlike One UI 6, which had a fixed layout of 12 toggles with pagination for additional options, the new layout in One UI 7 separates elements more effectively. The toggles in One UI 7 no longer display labels, which declutters the interface while maintaining functionality.
The new solid background with transparency gives a clear separation between the settings and the blurred background, further enhancing the visual clarity. This transparency allows for better visibility of icons without overwhelming the user.
Music Player Widget and Customization Options
The positioning of widgets like the music player also differs. In One UI 6, the music player widget sits between the toggles, creating a less streamlined appearance. In One UI 7, the design allows for more flexible placement, which could mean a better overall experience for users who frequently use widgets and other customization options.
Display Settings: Improved Accessibility in One UI 7
Samsung has also refined how display settings appear in One UI 7. While One UI 6 placed the Brightness Slider, Eye Comfort Shield, and Dark Mode switches in one area, One UI 7 splits these into two separate layouts. The first layout includes the Brightness Slider, Eye Comfort Shield, and Dark Mode, while the second layout offers a Volume adjustment bar alongside Sound setting toggles. This separation makes it easier for users to access the most relevant controls quickly and efficiently.
In One UI 6, Smart View and Device Control were placed as large tiles next to the display settings. One UI 7 takes a more modular approach, potentially offering better customization and user interaction, though the final implementation may vary when it is officially launched.
Release Timeline for One UI 7
Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 will enter its beta phase by the end of this year, with a public release expected alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25 series in early 2024. Users can anticipate that the stable rollout for One UI 7 on compatible Galaxy devices will begin by February, following the initial release for Samsung’s latest flagship phones.
Conclusion: A Refreshed, User-Friendly Interface
One UI 7 marks a significant step forward for Samsung, particularly in how it approaches the Quick Settings panel. The design changes, especially the shift towards a more curved, rounded interface, indicate a focus on improving both the look and functionality of the UI. While One UI 6 was already a strong offering, these updates in One UI 7—ranging from the redesigned battery and network indicators to more flexible layouts—are aimed at making the user experience smoother and more customizable.
With the beta release just around the corner, Samsung users can look forward to testing these new features and improvements before the official launch. As Samsung continues to refine the interface, the final version of One UI 7 is likely to deliver a more intuitive and visually appealing experience for its users.
