The end of 2024 marks an important turning point for Samsung with the deployment of One UI 7, its new Android overlay based on Android 15. This major update, currently in the beta phase, reveals a significant transformation of the user interface of the Korean giant, with striking similarities to Apple’s iOS. A development that raises questions about Samsung’s design strategy.
A complete visual overhaul inspired by iOS
The flagship new feature of One UI 7 is undoubtedly the “Now Bar”, a pill-shaped notification bar reminiscent of Apple’s Dynamic Island. This interactive interface allows you to display current activities such as multimedia playback, stopwatches or audio recordings. Unlike iOS widgets which take up more space on the lock screen, the Now Bar is more discreet and expandable with a simple tap.
The media player on the lock screen has also been redesigned, adopting a design very close to that of iOS. We find the controls placed in a rectangle at the bottom of the screen and the album artwork in the center, although Samsung has made some subtle adjustments to differentiate itself from its competitor.
Native app icons have been redesigned with gradient backgrounds and more vibrant colors. The Quick Settings panel has also undergone a major overhaul, taking clear inspiration from iOS 18’s Control Center with its customizable tiles and quick switches. Samsung, however, opted for more dynamic colors, reflecting the coloring of application icons.
Artificial intelligence and advanced features
One UI 7 gives pride of place to artificial intelligence with the introduction of sophisticated writing assistance tools. These features allow correction, modification and even generation of text, reminiscent of the Writing Tools of iOS 18.1. The camera app also gets a complete overhaul with a rearrangement of buttons and modes for more intuitive control of advanced settings.
Samsung has also improved integration with computers, allowing the smartphone to be used as a webcam and transfer files wirelessly. Privacy is not left out with new features like automatic removal of location metadata when sharing photos.
As a popular comment on 9to5Google points out:
Samsung doesn’t need a planning team. They just look at Apple’s announcements and reflect them in their next update.
An observation which, although critical, illustrates Samsung’s adaptation strategy which does not hesitate to draw inspiration from the best features of its competitor while adding its own touch.
And you, do you think that Samsung has gone too far this year?
