# Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta: An In-Depth Examination of Android 15 and iOS 18 Parallels
Samsung has officially unveiled the beta iteration of One UI 7, grounded in Android 15, just ahead of the eagerly awaited Galaxy S25 launch. While this software update introduces exciting new features and enhancements, it has also ignited discussions regarding its notable resemblance to Apple’s iOS 18. This isn’t the first occasion where Samsung and Apple have been compared, but the design and functionality similarities between One UI 7 and iOS 18 have reignited debates surrounding innovation versus imitation within the technology sector.
## **Android 15 and One UI 7: Innovations Unveiled**
The Galaxy S25 will mark the debut of Android 15 and One UI 7 on a Samsung device. Samsung’s proprietary interface, One UI, has been lauded for its user-friendly design and rich feature set. With One UI 7, Samsung continues to enhance its interface, delivering a smoother, more intuitive experience for users.
Key features of One UI 7 include:
– **Revamped Quick Settings Panel**: Redesigned for enhanced accessibility and customization options.
– **”Now Bar” Inspired by Dynamic Island**: A new pill-shaped UI component for multitasking and media controls.
– **Enhanced AI Integration**: Samsung’s Galaxy AI receives an update, incorporating features akin to Apple’s Writing Tools from iOS 18.1.
– **Organized Notifications**: Notifications are more structured now, with improved grouping and prioritization.
Despite these enhancements being welcomed, numerous users and tech aficionados have noted their similarities to features that were introduced in iOS 18.
## **Dynamic Island vs. Samsung’s “Now Bar”**
Apple’s Dynamic Island, debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, was revolutionary in UI design. It turned the pill-shaped cutout into an interactive hub for notifications, media controls, and multitasking. In contrast, Samsung opted for a different approach with its “Now Bar” in One UI 7. Located at the bottom of the display, the Now Bar provides analogous functionality, enabling users to manage music playback, open applications, and expand menus.
Although the positioning differs, the design and functionality of the Now Bar strongly resemble Apple’s Dynamic Island. This similarity has fueled speculation about Samsung borrowing significantly from Apple’s strategies, a move that has polarized tech enthusiasts.
## **Quick Settings Panel: An Recognizable Design**
Another domain where One UI 7 borrows from iOS 18 is the updated Quick Settings panel. Apple enhanced its Control Center in iOS 18, offering bigger buttons, additional customization features, and a tidier layout. Samsung’s Quick Settings panel in One UI 7 adopts a comparable style, featuring rounded buttons and a more organized presentation.
While Samsung’s version lacks the multi-page design found in Apple’s Control Center, the resemblances are undeniable. This design choice has sparked queries about whether Samsung is innovating or merely echoing Apple’s footsteps.
## **AI and Writing Tools: A Common Perspective**
Samsung’s Galaxy AI has been fundamental to its software ecosystem, providing features such as intelligent suggestions, voice commands, and image editing tools. With One UI 7, Samsung rolled out a new look for its AI features, closely mirroring Apple’s Writing Tools panel from iOS 18.1. Both interfaces prioritize simplicity and accessibility, facilitating user interaction with AI-driven functionalities.
While the tools’ functionalities remain distinct, the visual likenesses have not gone unnoticed, further fueling the perception that Samsung is aligning its design ethos with Apple’s.
## **A Legacy of Idea Sharing**
The commonalities between One UI 7 and iOS 18 are hardly unexpected. The tech landscape has a long-standing tradition of companies exchanging ideas. Apple and Samsung have often been at the forefront of this dynamic, drawing inspiration from one another over time in terms of hardware designs and software features.
However, Samsung’s previous controversies, including the notorious 132-page internal document on how to replicate the iPhone UI, heighten the contentious nature of these comparisons. Although Samsung has progressed since then, the shadows of that era continue to resonate with many.
## **Finding the Silver Lining**
Despite the backlash, it can be argued that drawing inspiration from others can result in enhanced products for consumers. By adopting successful design elements from iOS, Samsung can elevate the user experience for its clientele. Similarly, Apple has integrated features from Android over the years, including widgets and customizable home screens.
The essential factor is to maintain a balance between inspiration and true innovation. Samsung possesses the capabilities and creativity to develop unique features that stand out in the competitive smartphone landscape. By leveraging its strengths and distinguishing itself from Apple, Samsung can persist in leading the Android ecosystem.
## **Implications for the Galaxy S25**
The Galaxy S25 is taking shape
