# A Great Deal at Stake for One UI 7, in Multiple Aspects
The year 2024 has proven to be atypical for software enhancements in the tech industry. Google unveiled its flagship Pixel series prior to the readiness of Android 15, whereas Apple rolled out features that won’t be accessible until at least March of the following year. On the other hand, Samsung, recognized for its swift software updates in recent times, has yet to deliver a stable iteration of Android 15 for its devices. As the year draws to a close, all attention is directed toward **One UI 7**, Samsung’s anticipated software upgrade, and the anticipation is palpable.
## The Progression of Samsung’s Software: From TouchWiz to One UI
For an extended period, Samsung’s software posed significant challenges for users. The company’s notorious **TouchWiz** interface, although feature-rich, was also cumbersome, sluggish, and fraught with glitches. This dissatisfaction prompted many users, myself included, to seek alternatives such as LG, Motorola, HTC, and Google. However, Samsung made a pivotal change with the introduction of **One UI**, a more streamlined and user-friendly interface that succeeded TouchWiz in 2018.
One UI has rejuvenated the experience for Samsung users. It brought forth a more accessible design, enhanced performance, and a more cohesive experience. Over time, Samsung has fine-tuned One UI, integrating new features and boosting the overall experience. Nonetheless, with the imminent launch of **One UI 7**, there seems to be a sense that Samsung is at a critical juncture.
## Insights on One UI 7
Samsung is preparing for the release of the **initial beta of One UI 7**, and while specifics are limited, there are a few expectations we can set. Traditionally, Samsung has employed an “everything but the kitchen sink” methodology in its software, cramming in a multitude of features. While this has occasionally resulted in a cluttered experience, it has also enabled Samsung to stand out from the competition.
One UI 7 is anticipated to introduce a **UI revamp**, which has been needed for some time. Since the launch of **One UI 4** in 2021, which adopted Google’s **Material You** design language, the visual aesthetic and functionality of Samsung’s software have remained mostly unchanged. Although **One UI 5** enhanced the application of Material You, it did not present any substantial design alterations. After two years of experiencing the same fundamental software, users are looking forward to a fresh approach.
## A Possible Shift Toward iOS-Inspired Features
There have been speculations that Samsung is drawing inspiration from **Apple’s iOS**, specifically regarding animations and the general aesthetic of the software. Some leaks indicate that Samsung is developing **smoother animations** and an overhauled **Quick Settings panel**, potentially giving One UI an iOS-like feeling. While this could be a positive adjustment for some, it may raise concerns for others about Samsung losing its distinctive character.
Personally, I don’t mind how the software appears. With tools like **Good Lock** and third-party icon packs, I am able to tailor my phone’s appearance according to my preferences. However, the more pressing concern is whether Samsung will emulate Apple in a less favorable manner: **delaying features**.
## The Threat of Feature Delays
When Apple launched the **iPhone 16** series, it prominently showcased its new **Apple Intelligence** features. Nonetheless, many of these functionalities were not available at the time of the launch, with some still absent. For instance, **Personalized Responses** and **On-Screen Awareness** are anticipated to debut in March 2025. There is apprehension that Samsung may embark on a similar trajectory with One UI 7, unveiling features that will only be delivered in a subsequent update, such as **One UI 7.1**.
Samsung has already postponed the One UI 7 beta release several times, and without leaks, we might have little insight into what to anticipate. This lack of openness has fostered speculation that Samsung might be overextending itself with this update.
## AI Enhancements: A Double-Edged Blade?
Another domain where Samsung is set to make significant advancements is **AI**. Some of the proposed AI features for One UI 7 include **AI Notification**, designed to summarize your alerts, alongside enhancements to existing utilities like **Sketch to Image**. While AI is a trending topic in technology at the moment, there’s a concern that Samsung may hastily introduce AI features that aren’t fully developed, merely to keep pace with competitors.
Under the pressure of maintaining relevance in the AI arena, Samsung may feel urged to announce these features even if they aren’t ready for users. This could potentially result in users waiting for promised functionalities that ultimately fall short of expectations.
## A Regression for Samsung?
In recent years, Samsung has developed
