Samsung Simplifies Switching Scrolling Styles in One UI 7
Samsung has maintained a strong presence in the Android smartphone arena, celebrated for its robust hardware and feature-packed One UI software. Nevertheless, despite its numerous advantages, One UI has often missed what seems to be a straightforward option for changing the scrolling style of the app drawer — a fundamental customization feature that users have been advocating for over the years. That changes now with the introduction of One UI 7.
With the launch of One UI 7, Samsung is offering users the long-desired option to choose between horizontal and vertical scrolling in the app drawer — a feature that aligns its interface more closely with other Android brands and third-party launchers.
The Importance of Vertical Scrolling
For numerous users, vertical scrolling seems more intuitive and natural, particularly when sifting through extensive lists of applications. It’s the standard mode for most Android launchers, including Google’s Pixel Launcher, and has become a favored design for users who appreciate efficiency and simplicity.
Previously, Samsung users were limited to horizontal scrolling in the app drawer unless they opted for a third-party launcher or utilized Samsung’s Good Lock customization suite — a workaround that was not suitable for everyone.
How to Enable Vertical Scrolling in One UI 7
If you’ve recently upgraded to One UI 7 or acquired a new Galaxy S25 series device, changing to vertical scrolling is now straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
1. Unlock your device and access the app drawer.
2. Tap the three vertical dots in the Search bar located at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose Sort.
4. Select Alphabetical order.
After doing this, your app drawer will automatically switch to vertical scrolling. The first time you make the adjustment, an overlay message will appear confirming the new swipe direction.
This minor yet significant modification improves the user experience and provides Samsung enthusiasts with greater control over their device interactions.
Explore More in One UI 7
The vertical scrolling feature is just one of several enhancements in One UI 7. Samsung’s latest software update, based on Android 15, introduces a multitude of new features and design refinements. Notable highlights include:
– Galaxy AI Integration: Available exclusively for the Galaxy S25 series, these features boost productivity and personalization through on-device and cloud-based AI.
– Now Bar: A new widget on the lock screen that presents real-time updates such as music playback, timers, and live notifications.
– Now Brief: Customized briefings that condense essential information, resembling Google Assistant’s daily summaries.
– Cross-App Actions: Enhanced multitasking by allowing tasks to be executed across various apps.
– Audio Eraser and Auto Trim: AI-driven tools for editing audio and video content directly on your device.
– AI Drawing Assist: Aids users in creating and perfecting sketches with artificial intelligence support.
While One UI 7 comes pre-installed on the Galaxy S25 series, earlier Samsung devices await the final version. Samsung has been distributing beta versions for devices like the Galaxy S24, with a stable release anticipated in early April 2025.
What’s Causing the Delay?
Samsung caters to a wide array of devices, each with regional variations and carrier-specific configurations. Ensuring One UI 7 functions smoothly across this diverse ecosystem requires time. Accelerating the update could result in bugs and performance concerns, which Samsung aims to prevent.
In the meantime, users can explore available beta versions for their devices or simply wait for the official launch.
A Positive Step Forward
The introduction of vertical scrolling in the app drawer may appear trivial, but it signifies Samsung’s increasing responsiveness to user input and commitment to customization. Alongside the other enhancements in One UI 7, it cultivates a more adaptable and user-friendly experience.
Whether you’re an established Samsung user or new to the Galaxy ecosystem, One UI 7 delivers a more polished and customizable Android experience — and at last, the freedom to scroll your way.
For further information on One UI 7 and the latest Galaxy devices, check out our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and stay updated on the software rollout.
