In 2021, Samsung and Google announced the wearable version of Tizen and Wear OS were being merged.[5][6]
Features
One UI was designed as part of a goal to make Samsung's hardware and software "work together in perfect harmony" and provide a more "natural" experience on large-screen smartphones. One UI displays most of the features[7] that were in the Samsung Experience UX. A prominent design pattern in many of Samsung's system applications is to intentionally place common features and user interface elements along the middle of the screen rather than near the top. This makes them easier to reach with a user's thumb when using the device one-handed.
For similar reasons, apps utilise large headers to push their main content towards the vertical centre of the screen. The navigation bar supports the use of gestures and the usual 3-button system, while a system-wide "night mode" was also added (which gives UI elements and supported applications a darkened color scheme). As with Android Pie upstream, the Overview screen of recent apps uses a horizontal layout, as opposed to the vertical layout of previous versions.[8][9][10][11]
One UI Core
One UI Core was a slimmed down version of the original One UI feature set aimed towards the lower-priced A, F, J (discontinued in 2019)[12], and M series low and mid-range devices. Devices running One UI Core typically have a reduced set of features compared to the full version of One UI running on higher end devices. One UI Core hasn't been made available to those low-end devices since the release of One UI 6.[13]
The following is a list of Samsung's own software and functionalities that are included with One UI (as of version 6.1).
Software
Description
Contacts, Calendar, Clock, Calculator, Reminder
Basic organization tools (Samsung Contacts is no longer included in US devices sold in 2024 or later however it is available as a download on the Galaxy Store)
Messages
SMS, MMS and RCS text messaging client (no longer included in US devices sold in 2024 or later, available to download on Galaxy Store)
Phone
Cellular and VoIP calling client (no longer included in US devices sold in 2024 or later, available to download on Galaxy Store)
Free television streaming service (available in selected markets)
Samsung Free (formerly Samsung Daily or Bixby Home) (replaced by Samsung News in the U.S.[20])
Media and entertainment: integrated Samsung TV Plus, Podcasts (region dependent), news aggregator (provided by Upday in Europe), instant casual games[21][22][23]
One UI 1.0 is the first version of One UI and is based on Android 9 "(Pie)". It brought about many features which were becoming increasingly popular among various apps. Dark mode was one key feature added to make viewing in dark spaces easier on the user's eyes. This feature was included in many apps and eventually brought to iOS 13 and Android 10. The first version also brought native screenshot editing tools, refined curves, refinements to the Always-On Display (tap to show), an upgraded Bixby with support for remapping the Bixby button, and a new way to navigate the device: gestures released on 19 December 2018. It is the last update to support the Galaxy S8 series and Galaxy Note8.
While Android 9 “Pie” did come with gesture support, it was only available on Pixel devices and stock AOSP devices and is said to be 'half baked' by many users. However, Samsung decided to create their own gesture system to navigate devices with One UI installed. To achieve this, the user has to swipe up from the bottom of the device in the three locations of the 'buttons' to navigate. The gesture system has received mixed reviews.[27][28][29] The incoming call screen got refinements. One UI 1.0 was released on 7 November 2018.
One UI 1.1 brought a stability fixes and performance optimizations, primarily for the camera, fingerprint reader, and facial recognition.[30] One UI 1.1 was released alongside the Galaxy S10 series. This update is not available on the Galaxy S8 series and Galaxy Note8. This is the first version of One UI to be included as part of newer Samsung Galaxy devices since 2019.
One UI 1.5 provided a native screen recorder, a "Power Mode" for higher system performance and exclusive early access Link to Windows support in cooperation with Microsoft.[31] It was launched with the Galaxy Note10 series devices on 12 August 2019.
Although Samsung Experience was rebranded to OneUI in late 2018, some apps like Settings or the Calendar still identify OneUI 1.0-1.5 as Samsung Experience. This would be corrected with OneUI 2 as the Samsung Experience name would later fade away with the release of Android 10 for those supported devices.
One UI 2
One UI 2.0 is the second version of One UI and is powered by Android 10.[32] It provides Galaxy users with a skinned Digital Wellbeing experience, a more refined UI in some default apps such as Device Care, a minor UI change to the clock position in quick settings, a native screen recorder, the new Android 10 gesture system, Dynamic Lock Screen (different wallpaper with every unlock), a Trash folder in Files, native Android Auto, sound themes and harder Location permission access. The incoming call screen got improvements, including the phone icons.
Also the app icons got more vibrant hues. The app icons changed hues from darker hues to bright hues, which giving it a more look & feel. The phone call icons got a more modern look & feel. From a retro classic call icon to a new modern call icon, giving it a more modern look. The viewing area & the interaction area got moved. The viewing area got moved up from the bottom going away from the search & the 3 dots icon & the interaction area got moved up from the top to get the search & the 3 dots icon to the area so everyone could touch the icons. The folders got better reachability. The folder name got moved inside the folder to outside the folder. The gesture navigation got updates. The gesture navigation got edited from 3 to 1 on the center bottom. The incoming call could now minimize the pop-up. The wallpapers no longer take you to Galaxy Themes and the Wallpapers and Themes were cut in half to split into 2 settings, the Wallpaper setting, and the Themes setting. The settings and notification icons were redesigned, giving it a more modern look. The volume panel got redesigned. The volume panel no longer show the name and could now have access to expand the volume panel. The volume icons were redesigned. The lock screen clock no longer uses white with gray shadows and now has access to change colors from black & white. The lock screen clock shrunk its size for a more modern look. It brought support for Samsung News 24/7. One UI 2.0 was released on 29 October 2019.
One UI 2.1 brought support for 120Hz refresh rate, Quick Share, Music Share, additional camera modes, and native support for Live Captions. It was first released with the Galaxy S20 series & the Galaxy Z Flip. It also arrived for older devices such as the Galaxy S9 and S10, Note 9 and Note 10,[33] the Galaxy Fold, and select Galaxy A series[34] devices as a software update starting 24 February 2020.
One UI 2.5 was initially released on 24 August 2020 with the launch of the Galaxy Note 20 series, with the update later being released for the Galaxy S20 series along with older Samsung phones. One UI 2.5 doesn't bring radical changes to the UI, but there are plenty of new feature additions to the camera, DeX, gesture navigation, and other services.[35][36][37] The charging sound got updated. It is the last update for the S9 and Note 9.
One UI 3
One UI 3.0, the third version of One UI and based on Android 11, was released for Galaxy S20 devices beginning on 2 December 2020. The update includes a few noteworthy improvements, such as a translucent notification panel, brief notifications, new volume controls positioned on the right or left of the device alongside the physical volume keys, slightly enhanced widgets, redesigned incoming call screen, and smoother animations and transitions throughout the whole UI among other features.[38][39][40]
One UI 3.1 first released with the Galaxy S21 series, has started rolling out to other supported Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S20 series on 17 February 2021. There are no notable user interface changes. It contains many new camera feature improvements such as improved touch autofocus and auto exposure controller and improved Single Take feature and software implementations such as Object Eraser, Multi Mic Recording, Eye Comfort Shield, Private Share and others.[41] This is the first version to replace the built-in phone, messages and contacts apps with Google's versions however, this only applies to phones released in 2021 with Android 11 or later in North America and the older phone, messages and contacts apps provided by Samsung that have been present since the beginning of Touchwiz still remain to this day. Older devices such as the S10 and S20 remain unaffected and do not include Google's communication apps.
One UI 3.1.1 first released with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on 11 August 2021. It made multitasking easier with enhanced multi-window and task-switching features and also optimized more apps to take advantage of the large screen devices such as foldables and tablets. As such it was only released to eligible Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Tab series devices. The new features were rolled out to all supported devices but bar-type phones continued to show their software version as One UI 3.1 after the update.
One UI 4
One UI 4.0, based on Android 12, is the fourth generation of One UI. It was released to the Galaxy S21 series on 15 November 2021. One UI 4.0 focuses on customization, privacy, and access to Samsung's expanding ecosystem.[42][43]
One UI 4.1 was first released with the Galaxy S22 series. It brought minor changes; however, it did introduce features like Smart Calendar, added option to choose how much virtual RAM is desired (from 2, 4, 6 or 8GB), redesigned palette picker, Smart Widgets, separate Left/Right audio balance, extra brightness toggle, Pro Mode on more cameras, Night Mode portraits, and other minor changes.[44]
One UI 4.1.1 is based on Android 12L which optimized the Android OS for alternative form factors such as foldables. It first released with the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 on August 23, 2022. This update also adds further Samsung specific enhancements to multitasking and optimizations for foldable smartphones (Galaxy Z Fold line) and large screen tablets (Galaxy Tab line).[45] Even though the new features made it to supported bar-type phones One UI 4.1.1, like One UI 3.1.1, was only officially rolled out to the Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Tab series.
One UI 5
One UI 5.0, based on Android 13, was announced on 12 October 2022, as the fifth generation of One UI. It was publicly released to the Galaxy S22 series first starting 24 October 2022 with other supported devices following later.[46]
Some features and changes include the ability to turn off the RAM Plus feature, where previously users could only limit it to 2 GB rather than turning it off entirely, and a redesigned way of customizing the lock screen, similar to iOS 16. Material You was also expanded to most of Google and Samsung Apps along with some third-party apps that support material you, allowing more ways to customize One UI. One UI 5 also brings refreshed icons for a more-refined look across the UI.
One UI 5.1 was announced on 1 February 2023 and released on 13 February 2023 with the Galaxy S23 series. It brought many new multitasking features, weather, new battery widget, Settings and Spotify suggestions, Camera and Gallery features, as well as improvements such as the ability to change color tone for selfies, enhanced image remastering, and revamped info display.[47]
One UI 5.1.1 launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Tab S9 on 11 August 2023. The update increases the number of apps shown in the taskbar with more recent apps, improves support for Flex Mode in more apps, allows for two-handed drag-and-drop file transfer and gives the ability to hide apps in pop-up mode among other features and improvements.[48] Like One UI 4.1.1 it was only available to foldable phones and tablets.
One UI 6
One UI 6.0 is based on Android 14.[49] It was officially released for the Galaxy S23 series starting 30 October 2023 with other devices expected to receive the update thereafter.[50]
The update includes a redesigned quick panel with a new button layout, improved access to the brightness settings and a new notification layout that allows sorting by time. Other new features include a new default font, called One UI Sans, new emojis and an improved multitasking experience. Built-in Samsung applications such as the Camera app, Gallery, Photo Editor, Weather among others have also received updates to add more functionality and customization.[51]
One UI 6.1 was released on 17 January 2024 with the Galaxy S24 series. This update mainly includes new AI-based features that are exclusive to the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z4, Galaxy Z5, Tab S8, and Tab S9 series. These features are marketed as "Galaxy AI" and rely on a combination of local models and cloud-based models. In mainland China, the cloud partner is Baidu providing its Ernie model,[52] while in international markets (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), the cloud partner is Google providing its Gemini Pro model.[53]
Features coming to all applicable devices include enhanced battery protection designed to prevent battery degradation, SuperHDR for photos in the Gallery and on social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, and the option to show the lock screen wallpaper on Always On Display. Simultaneously the merger of Samsung's Quick Share and Google's Nearby Share feature were announced allowing all Galaxy users fast file transfer with all Android and Windows devices using a single solution.[54][55]
While not released alongside One UI 6.1, Samsung implemented Google's A/B seamless update technology with the release of the Galaxy A55. This works by installing updates to a secondary system partition that the device boots from whenever it is restarted.[56][57]
One UI 6.1.1 was released on 10 July 2024 with Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. This update includes several new Galaxy AI features such as Portrait Studio, Suggested Replies and Sketch to Image. Other devices are expected to receive the update thereafter starting with the Galaxy S24 series.[58] However, non-foldable phones continued to show the software version as 6.1 after the update like One UI 5.1.1 as it was only available to foldable phones and tablets.
One UI 7
One UI 7.0 was released on 22 January 2025 with the S25 series and is based on Android 15. Samsung launched the beta program on 5 December 2024, in nearly half a dozen markets across the globe, including the United States, South Korea, and Germany. The beta has been released for the Galaxy S24 series initially but would later expand beta testing for Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 on March 6, and expand to Galaxy S23 Series, Tab S10 series and A55 by April 5th in India, Korea, United Kingdom and United States[59].
The update features a complete revamp of the One UI experience, marking its first major change in six years. The icons, widgets, camera app, and lock screen have all been redesigned; the quick panel has been separated into two by default (the notification panel and the control panel).[60] Samsung Phone, Samsung Messages, Samsung Contacts are removed on US Galaxy models in favor of Google's apps providing RCS support. However, they are still available as an optional download on the Galaxy Store. DeX for PC and downloadable edge panels are deprecated in this release in favor for Link to Windows and third party alternatives. New ringtones and notification sounds are added for the first time since the release of the Galaxy S20 series (excluding Samsung's former default ringtone Over the Horizon which is changed every year).[citation needed]
Starting with this version, Samsung will introduce One UI as the default interface on its smart TVs, monitors, projectors,[61] and home appliances.[62]
As of March 2025, the stable rollout of One UI 7 to existing devices has been drastically delayed.[63]The Galaxy S25 series, A06 5G, A26, A36 and A56 (plus rebranded versions: M06 5G, F06 5G, M16 5G and the Japanese variant of the Galaxy A25) are the only devices running One UI 7 pre-installed.
The public release of One UI 7 to older devices such as Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy S23 series (except FE) will occur in April 2025[64], while the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy S21 FE may receive the update in May. Consequently, devices such as the Galaxy S21 series (excluding the FE), select Galaxy A devices and others are expected to receive the update even later in May or June.[65] However, a Samsung moderator points out that they have not released the official rollout timeline as the team is still working to make sure that the software is stable before the final release.[66]
Update support
At a Galaxy Unpacked event on 5 August 2020, Samsung announced that it would offer up to 3 years of One UI (four for S10 and Note 10) and operating system updates and 4 years of security updates for some devices.[67]
At a Galaxy Unpacked event on 9 February 2022, Samsung announced that it would offer up to 4 years of One UI (five for S21 series due to it's release being delayed) and operating system updates and 5 years of security updates for flagship devices sold from 2021 to 2023, and mid range devices sold from 2022 to 2024.[68]
At a Galaxy Unpacked event on 17 January 2024, Samsung announced that it would offer 7 years of security updates, software updates and 7 OS upgrades for all flagship devices since 2024.[69] The new policy only applies to the latest flagship series with foldable device released in 2022 and later will receive Galaxy AI features.
While not mentioned in any Unpacked event, Samsung quietly extended software support for select midrange phones:
Extended to 6 years of OS upgrades and security updates, each, starting with the release of the Galaxy A16 in November 2024,[70] and it's may be applicable to other future Galaxy A, Galaxy M and Galaxy F series devices above the A0x/M0x/F0x tier.
Extended to 4 years of OS upgrades and security updates, each, to future A0x/M0x/F0x series devices, starting with the release of the Galaxy A06 5G (and its rebranded versions: Galaxy F06 5G (sold in India), Galaxy M06 5G (sold online in select countries), and the Galaxy A25 (Japan variant)[71]) in February 2025.[72]
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