Samsung’s One UI 7 update is coming with exciting new widgets and a refreshed design. Although it’s still in development, early glimpses promise a more dynamic and visually appealing experience for Galaxy users. The update, based on Android 15, is expected to roll out next year, with the Beta version arriving later this year.
One of the standout features in One UI 7 is the introduction of new widgets with a modernized look. Users may see larger widgets, including a new Samsung Clock and Calendar widget that could replace the current 2×2 apps on the home screen. These widgets feature a clean, blurred background and come in both analog and digital clock variants. This design style seems inspired by Apple’s iOS widgets, which have been popular on iPhones for some time.
In addition to the clock and calendar widgets, Samsung may also introduce a 2×2 widget for “Routines,” allowing users to manage four routines directly from the home screen. The widget design aligns with the updated quick settings tiles, which are taking on a new squircle shape in One UI 7.
New Widgets with Frosted Blur background. pic.twitter.com/gdMFtmjNdJ
— Khaled 🍉 (@TechKhaled_) October 4, 2024
Samsung is also testing new pill-shaped widgets for features like Weather, Clock, and Screen Time. This design approach is similar to the widgets seen on OxygenOS and ColorOS, which have been widely adopted in recent years. Overall, Samsung’s enhanced widget system in One UI 7 will offer a cleaner, more dynamic home screen experience for users.
As development continues, we can expect more details about One UI 7 to emerge, but it’s already shaping up to be a significant update that improves both functionality and aesthetics.
What’s Coming in One UI 8: Android 16’s Advanced Protection Features
Looking further ahead, Samsung’s One UI 8 could introduce even more groundbreaking features, including Google’s upcoming Advanced Protection system, which is expected to launch with Android 16. If Samsung sticks to its version update strategy, Galaxy phones will get Android 16 with One UI 8, bringing these advanced security features to users.
Advanced Protection, currently in development by Google, is designed to enhance user security, particularly for those at higher risk of cyberattacks. This system could offer new settings and APIs that allow apps to adjust their behavior based on whether Advanced Protection is enabled on the device.
One of the key features expected in Android 16 is a function similar to Samsung’s Auto Blocker. This feature will prevent apps from being installed from unauthorized sources, although users will still be able to sideload apps by disabling the Auto Blocker through the Privacy settings.
With Advanced Protection, Android 16 could also allow users to enroll directly through the device’s settings. Once enrolled, users will be required to keep their Google Account signed in, and the operating system will block app installations from any sources other than trusted platforms like the Play Store and Galaxy Store. This should significantly reduce the risk of malware or unauthorized apps being installed on your phone.
There’s also the possibility that Android 16 will require additional authentication for accessing sensitive content, such as financial data or protected files. While specific details are still unknown, this extra layer of security would offer peace of mind for users handling sensitive information on their devices.
According to developer Mishaal Rahman, a recent patch in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code suggests that this new Advanced Protection mode will soon become part of Android’s security settings. The patch describes a service that lets users enroll in Advanced Protection and allows apps to check if the feature is active on the device. This could be a game-changer for security, offering both device-level protection and app-specific adjustments based on the user’s security settings.
Conclusion: A New Era for Galaxy Devices
With One UI 7, Samsung is focusing on improving the visual and functional aspects of its interface through new widgets and design updates. Meanwhile, One UI 8 could bring more robust security features through Android 16’s Advanced Protection, making Galaxy devices safer than ever. As Samsung continues to refine these updates, users can look forward to a more polished, secure, and visually appealing experience on their Galaxy phones.
This next wave of updates will enhance both usability and security, combining sleek design improvements with advanced protection for a well-rounded user experience.
