Samsung’s One UI interface is consistently among the top contenders in the Android shell market. As with every iteration, expectations for the upcoming One UI 7 version are growing. Fortunately, the wait to taste this new software may be coming to an end.
Reliable leaker Ice Universe recently reported that the One UI 7 beta could launch in late July or early August, barring any unexpected delays. This information contradicts the assumptions of colleague Tarun Vats, who predicted a launch in the US, Korea, and Germany in September. Given the experience of Ice Universe, the first option seems more likely.
The currently known details about One UI 7 suggest that it may be inspired by Apple’s iOS. These changes include a notification bar and quick settings section, as well as the addition of quick actions on the lock screen.
Further fueling the rumors, an image has surfaced online that purportedly shows off the updated Gallery app icon in One UI 7. The image, shared by @chunvn8888, ditches the traditional monochrome design in favor of a more colorful approach.
Instead of the usual red background with white petals, we see a white base with each petal having its own unique color – a look that is somewhat reminiscent of Google’s app icons.
This leak hints that Samsung may also update the icons of other apps. We could see similar updates to the current monochrome icons for apps like Email, Notes, and Camera. There are also rumors that an app lock feature will be included, similar to those found in other Android skins.
Samsung’s annual SDC event, which is usually held in October, could be the stage for a stable release of One UI 7. This is considering last year’s schedule, when Samsung unveiled One UI 6 at SDC and then launched a full rollout in the same month.