Over time, Samsung’s One UI has emerged as one of the premier Android interfaces, thanks to its myriad features, extensive customizations, and overall smooth performance. However, the release of One UI 6 left some users dissatisfied, as it lacked several long-requested features. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a wishlist of improvements and additions we hope to see in the upcoming One UI 7.
Given that One UI 7 will be based on Android 15, we’re excluding features already present in the Android 15 Beta, such as App Archive, Notification Cooldown, and Audio Sharing. Instead, we’re focusing on desired changes and eagerly anticipated features.
Vertical App Drawer
While Android devices have featured a vertical scrolling app drawer since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Samsung has stuck with a horizontal page-style drawer thus far. While initially novel, it now feels outdated and in need of a significant redesign.
Having to scroll through numerous pages to locate a specific app can be tedious. It would be a welcome change to see Samsung introduce a vertical app drawer, or at least provide an option to switch to one. Rumors suggest that this feature may be included in the upcoming One UI 7 update.
Multiple Lock And Home Screen Setups
Apple’s introduction of the ability to create multiple lock screen and home screen setups, similar to changing watch faces on a smartwatch, has garnered envy even from those who prefer Android—myself included.
Given Samsung’s history of incorporating features from other platforms, it would be fantastic to see them adopt this feature for One UI. The ability to switch between different setups based on the occasion or time of day would be a significant enhancement. Additionally, expanding customizations for the lock screen and supporting third-party widgets, if feasible, would further enrich the user experience.
Battery and Storage Health Data
Samsung’s latest flagship S24 series comes with a noteworthy promise: 7 years of Android updates, a commitment akin to Google’s Pixel 8 series. While such long-term update assurances are praiseworthy, it’s important for Samsung to provide users with a way to monitor their battery and storage health data.
The battery is typically the first component to deteriorate with prolonged usage. Therefore, having the option to check the battery and storage health of your device is crucial. This feature should allow users to monitor charging cycles and battery health, similar to what is available on iPhones and some OnePlus models. Additionally, Android 15 may introduce a feature to display storage health, which also degrades over time. Samsung should consider incorporating this feature to provide users with a comprehensive view of their device’s health.
App Sandbox
Android’s open ecosystem enables users to download and install apps from various sources. However, as a writer covering Android, I often need to test apps that I don’t entirely trust. To address this, there should be an App Sandbox feature.
This feature would run apps in a separate instance with restricted permissions, preventing them from interfering with system and user data, such as media files or documents. It could automatically activate when installing an app from an unknown source, enhancing privacy and bolstering the security of user data.
Improved Pro Mode
I really appreciate the Pro Mode in One UI, which allows me to adjust various settings to capture the perfect shot. However, there are a couple of features missing from the viewfinder that I hope to see in One UI 7.
Firstly, I would like the option to enable grid lines directly in the Pro mode viewfinder. Currently, you can only enable grid lines from the Camera settings, and I don’t use them outside of Pro mode. Having to go into settings to turn this feature on applies grid lines across all camera modes, which is inconvenient.
Secondly, I would like a toggle to switch between different image formats. Samsung’s S series devices support shooting in RAW format as well as JPEG. While you can choose between these formats in Pro mode, the options are buried in the Camera settings. In comparison, Xiaomi Mi 14’s Pro Mode allows you to change the format right from the viewfinder. Samsung should consider adding this feature for easier access.
Customizable Icons
Samsung’s icons are undeniably iconic. However, much like the app drawer, they have seen minimal improvements over the years. In a feature-rich skin like One UI, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to request an option to customize app icons.
Currently, you can change them to adhere to material theming. However, I would appreciate having the ability to alter their shape, size, and even colors, if feasible. While there is a GoodLock module called Theme Park that offers this functionality, having a native option within the OS would be highly welcomed.
Redesigned Quick Settings
One UI is known for its one-handed usability, with app titles and settings located in the top one-third of the screen for easy access. This design principle extended to the quick settings panel as well. However, with the One UI 6 update, the entire panel now occupies the entire screen, making it necessary to use both hands to reach the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles at the top.
This change is a departure from the interface’s established design language. Therefore, I would like to see a more one-hand-friendly redesign of the quick settings panel for improved accessibility. Additionally, I noticed that there is no option to swap the positions of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles with other options. Therefore, there should be an option to customize this as well.
Other Features Coming to One UI 7
In addition to the features mentioned earlier, we anticipate that One UI will incorporate several Android 15 features such as App Archive, Notification Cooldown, Per-App Screen Recording, Default Wallet app, and more. Samsung may add its own unique twist to some of these features, which will be intriguing to see.
These features represent my wishlist for the upcoming version of One UI. Compiling this list felt like creating a Christmas wishlist filled with all the gifts I hoped to receive. Now that the list is complete, we eagerly await the beta, which, similar to One UI 6, is expected to begin around Q3 of this year, starting with the S24 series of devices.
What are your thoughts on this list, and what features would you like to see in One UI 7 this year? Share your ideas in the comments below.
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