Complete information about Samsung One UI and all its versions

If you have a Galaxy phone or tablet, what you see on screen every day isn't just Android: it's Samsung One UI, the customization layer that shapes menus, icons, apps, and settingsBehind that name are years of evolution, very marked design changes, and a good number of features that many people don't even know exist.

Over time, One UI has gone from being "just" a different interface to becoming the center of the Galaxy ecosystem.Samsung phones, tablets, foldable devices, and even watches and other connected devices share the same visual and user philosophy. Let's take a closer look at exactly what this means, how it has changed from version to version, which phones are updated, and what tips and tricks are worth knowing if you use a Samsung device daily.

What is Samsung One UI and why is it different?

One UI is Samsung's own user interface for its Android devicesIt's present on smartphones, tablets, and also in a specific version for watches called One UI Watch. It always relies on the foundation of Android updates (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc.), but it almost completely changes the appearance of the system and adds a lot of extra features.

The company officially unveiled it in 2018 as the successor to Samsung Experience and the veteran TouchWiz, with the idea that hardware and software "worked together" and the experience on large screens became more comfortableThat's why many apps and menus place the main buttons and actions at the bottom of the screen, where your thumb reaches when you hold the phone with one hand.

Instead of piling everything up chaotically, One UI focuses on dividing information into clearly separate zones.Large headers at the top, content in the center, and buttons or tabs at the bottom. This makes it easier to read, reach what matters, and avoids accidental touches on the edges of curved screens.

Another of its pillars is personalization: One UI lets you change themes, colors, icons, fonts, content size, and combine it with Material YouGoogle's dynamic color system adapts the system's color palette to the wallpaper. It also includes features like dark mode, side panels for multitasking, focus modes, and automated routines.

From TouchWiz to One UI: A Brief History and Evolution

Before One UI, Galaxy devices had already been using their own custom interfaces for years. In 2009 Samsung launched TouchWizIt was a very striking interface that we saw on the first Galaxy S, Galaxy J, and the original Galaxy Note. That layer became famous for two things: its extra options… and how cluttered it felt.

Over time, the brand tried to lighten it by launching Samsung Experience at the end of 2016A redesign that strengthened the relationship with "pure" Android and appeared in models like the Galaxy Note 8. It was an important intermediate step, but it still didn't completely resolve the feeling of heaviness in phones with years behind them.

The big turning point came in November 2018, when Samsung unveiled One UI based on Android 9 PieThe launch was officially announced with the Galaxy S10 family, which were the first to feature the new interface pre-installed. From there, One UI expanded to previous and subsequent models, eventually becoming the standard across the entire Galaxy lineup.

The aesthetic and functional difference was striking: One UI brought a more minimalist, clean interface designed for large screenswith an emphasis on readability, one-handed use, and consistency across all Samsung apps. Since then, both the main layer and its sub-versions (1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 6.1.1, 7.0, 8.0, 8.5…) have been refined every year.

Design principles and key features of One UI

One of the most recognizable features is the so-called "two-zone design". Samsung apps typically reserve the top area for large titles and the bottom area for touch functionality.This is where tabs, buttons, text boxes, or lists of items are grouped. This makes the phone more comfortable to use without having to stretch your finger so much.

There is also a strong focus on the overall view. The recent apps screen adopts a horizontal design from Android 9 Pie onwards.Moving away from the classic vertical carousel, the navigation bar supports both buttons and gestures, whether it's Samsung's own system (swiping up from the bottom in three zones) or native Android gestures.

Dark mode is another One UI classic. Samsung integrated it very early on, first as a skin setting and then with full synchronization with Android and compatible apps.Today, it can be scheduled according to the time, linked to sunrise or sunset, and even applied to dynamic lock screen backgrounds.

In practice, One UI has been adding advanced tools that were previously only seen on niche mobile phones: native screen recorder, recycle folder in Files, highly customizable Always-On Display, digital wellbeing modes, deep power and battery settings, and increasingly strong integration with the Galaxy ecosystem (watches, tablets, laptops and TVs).

Main versions of One UI and their new features

Since 2018, Samsung has been releasing at least one major One UI update every year, almost always alongside a new flagship Galaxy phone. Each generation is based on a specific version of Android and brings new layers of features, visual changes, and internal improvements..

One UI 1.x: the beginning of change

One UI 1.0 appeared with Android 9 Pie and it marked the definitive leap from TouchWiz and Samsung Experience. It was gradually rolled out to the Galaxy S8, Note8, S9, and Note9 during the first months of 2019, and also reached a long list of recent Galaxy A and M models, as well as the Note Fan Edition, helping to extend the life of your mobile phone.

With this first batch came The system's dark mode, refined curves on elements, a more complete Always-On Display, and screenshot editing toolsBixby was also updated, its physical button could be reassigned, and Samsung's own gesture navigation, based on swipes from the bottom of the panel, was introduced.

Shortly afterwards he arrived One UI 1.1with minor adjustments focused on the camera, biometric security (fingerprints and facial recognition), and overall performance, particularly in the Galaxy S10 series and some 2019 Galaxy A models. Later, One UI 1.5 It focused on better integrating mobile phones with Windows, especially with the Note10 series and the Galaxy Watch, adding native PC connectivity.

One UI 2.x: refining the experience and betting on dark mode

With OneUI 2.0 (Android 10)Samsung delved deeper into the concept of digital wellbeing, redesigned apps like Device Care, and introduced several subtle changes to the quick panel (for example, the clock's position). A integrated screen recorder, native Android Auto, and stricter location permissions, in addition to a Trash folder in Files.

Dark theme customization also got a boost: One UI 2.0 allowed you to adjust, schedule, and combine dark mode with dynamic lock screen backgroundschanging the image each time you unlock the device. This base was followed by two very relevant sub-versions: One UI 2.1 and 2.5.

One UI 2.1 It arrived with the Galaxy S20 and the first Galaxy Z Flip, bringing support for 120Hz displays, Quick Share and Music Share, new camera modes, and Live Captions compatibility. It was later rolled out to the S9, Note9, S10, Note10, Galaxy Fold, and some 2020 Galaxy A models.

Later, One UI 2.5 debuted on the Galaxy Note20 series and the Galaxy Z Fold2and was extended to other models such as the S20 and older flagship models. This update didn't completely change the interface, but it did add important features for the camera, Samsung DeX (including PC mode), third-party gesture navigation, and other system services.

One UI 3.x: Jump to Android 11 and smoother animations

The arrival of One UI 3.0, based on Android 11It started with the Galaxy S20 range in December 2020 and brought a translucent notification panel, new volume controls on the side, slightly more polished widgets, and smoother animations in transitions and gestures.

With One UI 3.1With the launch of the Galaxy S21 series, Samsung focused on improving the camera and adding useful software features, such as Improved touch autofocus, more precise exposure control, improved Single Take, Object Eraser, Multi Mic recording, Eye Comfort Shield, or Private Share.

Later he would appear One UI 3.1.1, launched with the Galaxy Z Fold3, which focused primarily on improve multitasking and the use of foldable and large screens, with adjustments to the taskbar, floating windows, and app behavior when folding or unfolding the device.

One UI 4.x: Android 12, customization, and better-integrated foldable tablets

The fourth major iteration, OneUI 4.0 (Android 12)It arrived in November 2021 on the Galaxy S21 and placed great emphasis on two aspects: visual customization (including Material You-style color accents) and privacyThe system began to show clear indicators when an app accessed the microphone or camera, and the permissions panel was improved.

Shortly afterwards he landed One UI 4.1, pre-installed on the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8, with some extras such as Smart Widgets, camera improvements (night mode portraits, extended Pro mode to more lenses), audio settings and more virtual RAM controls (2, 4, 6 or 8 GB with RAM Plus).

In August 2022, Samsung launched One UI 4.1.1, based on Android 12LDesigned specifically for large, foldable screens like those on the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4, this version brought an improved taskbar, more convenient multitasking, more powerful drag and drop, and better support for split and floating windows.

One UI 5.x: Android 13, more customization and smart shortcuts

One UI 5.0Based on Android 13, it was announced in October 2022 with the Galaxy S22 family. Among its strengths was the A new way to customize the lock screen (almost like iOS 16), revamped icons, more Material You, and the option to completely disable RAM Plus., something that previously could only be reduced.

In addition, performance options, notification controls, focus modes, and Galaxy Watch integration were refined. Shortly after, it arrived One UI 5.1 With the Galaxy S23, they added improvements in multitasking, a battery widget to see the charge of all your devices, suggestions in Settings and Spotify, and new tricks in camera and gallery such as changing the tone in selfies or better photo remastering.

It was launched on August 11, 2023 One UI 5.1.1 for the Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9, focused again on foldable devices: a smarter taskbar, a more capable Flex mode, two-handed drag and drop, the option to hide apps in floating windows, and specific improvements for working in multi-window mode.

One UI 6.x: Android 14, a redesigned quick panel, and the leap to Galaxy AI

OneUI 6.0 (Android 14) It began arriving on October 30, 2023, for the Galaxy S23 series. Its most visible new feature is a completely redesigned quick panel, with rearranged buttons, a more accessible brightness slider, and notifications sorted by timeIn addition, a new global font (One UI Sans), new emojis, and slightly smoother multitasking were added.

Several native apps received a major facelift: Camera, Gallery, photo editor and weather app They gained editing, organization, and customization features. Performance on large screens and widget integration were also improved.

One UI 6.1 It was launched alongside the Galaxy S24 series on January 17, 2024, and marked a turning point by debuting Galaxy AI, Samsung's suite of artificial intelligence featuresThese capabilities combine local models with cloud models (Baidu in China and Google's Gemini Pro globally) and have been extended to devices such as the Galaxy S22, S23, ZFold4/5, ZFlip4/5 and Tab S8/S9.

These AI functions include Real-time translations, long text summaries in the Samsung Internet browser, intelligent photo editing, voice enhancements in calls, and instant translation in chats from apps like WhatsApp and Instagram using the Samsung keyboardIn addition, improved battery protection, SuperHDR in photos (also within apps like Instagram or Snapchat) and the option to display the lock screen wallpaper on the Always-On Display were added.

In this context, Samsung also announced the Unifying Quick Share with Google Nearby Sharecreating a unique file-sharing system for Android and Windows. And although it didn't debut exactly with 6.1, the Galaxy A55 was the first model to use seamless A/B updates, installing new versions on a secondary partition so the phone remained operational during the process.

Later, on July 10, 2024, it would arrive One UI 6.1.1 with the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6It added AI features such as Portrait Studio, Suggested Message Replies, and Sketch to Image, along with very specific improvements for foldable devices. This version remained exclusive to this type of device.

One UI 7.0 and 8.0: Android 15, Android 16 and a jump to more devices

One UI 7.0, based on Android 15It was officially launched on January 22, 2025, with the Galaxy S25 family, following a beta program that began in December 2024 in countries such as the US, South Korea, and Germany. Later, the test was extended to foldable phones and the Tab S10 tablets, with plans to expand to models like the Galaxy A55 in key markets.

This version meant A very deep visual redesign: icons, widgets, camera and lock screen changed their appearanceThe quick panel was divided into two distinct sections (controls and notifications) by default. On some US models, Samsung's Phone, Messages, and Contacts apps were replaced with Google's RCS-enabled apps, although they can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store if the user prefers.

At the same time, Features such as DeX for PC and downloadable Edge panels were removedInstead, they opted for "Link to Windows" and third-party apps. New ringtones and sounds were also introduced for the first time since the Galaxy S20 series, refreshing the brand's sonic identity.

A strategic innovation of One UI 7 was its Expansion beyond mobile and tablet: Samsung announced that One UI would become the reference interface on TVs, monitors, projectors and smart appliancesDespite this, the distribution of the stable version was delayed: for months only the Galaxy S25 and some recent A and M range models (such as A06 5G, A26, A36, A56 and renamed variants) included it out of the box, with a gradual rollout scheduled from April 2025 for previous high-end ranges.

Then came One UI 8.0, based on Android 16Officially launched on September 15, 2025, following a beta program that began in May on foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, and later expanded to the Galaxy S25, Z Fold6, and other related models, this version continued to refine AI integration, cross-device continuity, and performance on foldable screens.

One UI 8.5: the new features that are already being revealed

Although Samsung has not yet officially detailed everything, The betas of One UI 8.5 are already giving clear clues as to where the interface is headed.One of the most striking features is related to screen recording mode, inheriting and expanding ideas that debuted in One UI 8.

Until now, it was possible to take screenshots of part of the screen without having to manually crop it. With In One UI 8.5, that logic extends to video: you can choose to record the entire screen or just a part of it.In this second case, the system is able to automatically detect which area is in motion and record only that region, preventing you from having to go to the gallery later to trim the footage.

If you're not convinced by automatic detection, One UI 8.5 also allows you to manually select the recording areaThis is very practical for creating tutorials, teaching only a specific app, or sharing a bug without showing your notifications or sensitive information.

Beyond this, the update aims to a slightly more polished design, with somewhat more transparent elements and a revamped control center which can be further customized: rearrange widgets, adjust shortcuts, change the size of certain buttons, and give more weight to the functions you use daily.

In the field of AI, it is expected that Bixby regains prominence as an intelligent assistant, this time enhanced by advanced models (for example, Claude), coexisting with Gemini as the main assistant depending on the context. Furthermore, security and privacy improvements, as well as bug fixes, are planned, which will initially be rolled out to high-end phones and gradually to other Galaxy devices in the S, A, and M series, as well as compatible foldable phones.

One UI 9 and the future of Samsung customization

While polishing One UI 8.5, Samsung already has its sights set on the next step. The first hints of One UI 9 have appeared on the brand's test servers., with compilations associated with the upcoming foldables.

Firmwares such as F776USQU0AZB1 for the alleged Galaxy Z Flip8 and F976USQU0AZB1 for the Galaxy Z Fold8Both are intended for US versions. A third model, identified as SM-F971U, has also been spotted, described as a wider foldable phone (a “Wide Fold”) that would share a release schedule with the previous ones.

At the same time, there are indications that Samsung is testing internal builds of One UI 9 on current devices like the Galaxy Z Fold7with builds like F966USQU8CZB3. These are engineering steps that don't signify an immediate release, but they do make it clear that the software plan for 2026 is underway.

Everything points to One UI 9 will be supported on Android 17 and will debut first in the new generation of foldable phones before reaching the rest of the catalog. Among the features being considered are: More powerful continuity tools (such as a universal clipboard across devices) and visual tweaks with more transparent panels and notificationsAlthough for now we're talking about possibilities, not official announcements.

If Samsung sticks to its usual script, One UI 8.5 will debut with the Galaxy S26 early next year, and One UI 9 with the summer foldables.From there, the rollout would begin in waves to high-end models and later to recent mid-range models, reinforcing the idea of ​​keeping mobile phones up-to-date for several years.

Practical features and useful tricks on mobiles with One UI

Beyond the versions and the numbers, the real value of One UI is in the day-to-day experience. The layer hides a lot of tricks and settings that can make all the difference.especially if you want to maximize multitasking, automate tasks, or improve security.

One of the most useful tools is sidebar or Edge PanelFrom Settings > Display > Edge Panels, you can activate and customize it to have shortcuts to apps, contacts, tools like the calculator, or groups of apps in split-screen mode. This way, with a single gesture, you can open two apps at once in split-screen mode.

Another very practical trick is the Notification historyBy enabling it in Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Notification history, One UI lets you recover notifications you've accidentally deleted… and, incidentally, View messages from apps like WhatsApp even if the sender has deleted them later.

Nor should we forget Modes and routinesThe automation system is integrated into the layer. From there you can configure things like: activating a focus mode at work, having your phone disconnect from Wi-Fi when you leave home, changing sound and brightness according to the time or place, or limiting notifications from certain apps at night.

If you receive a lot of calls, it's worth taking a look at the feature of Bixby “Text Call”Located in Phone > Settings. Bixby can answer for you, transcribe what the other person says on screen, and allow you to reply by typing—very convenient if you don't want to speak out loud or suspect it's a sales call.

In terms of battery, One UI offers quite fine control. From Device Care and Battery you can see which apps are draining your battery, limit their background activity, or even put them into sleep modeYou can also activate automatic optimization so that the system closes residual processes and performs periodic cleaning.

With the latest versions, the Samsung Internet browser adds AI capabilities: can translate and summarize long articles So you don't have to read a whole tome when you just want the main idea. And on the Samsung keyboard, the Galaxy AI button lets you Translate chats instantly in apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, downloading the necessary language packs.

If you find your phone a bit heavy, you can also limit background RAM usage By going to Settings > Device maintenance > Excluded apps, you can prevent certain apps from excessively using up memory. Models with an S Pen also offer extras such as Create GIFs directly from any video, crop parts of the screen, or write on documents without using third-party apps.

In the multimedia field, the One UI gallery includes A powerful AI-powered editor capable of removing objects from a photo, cropping subjects to turn them into stickers, or pasting them into other images. Using AI Image Clipping. Simply press and hold on the person, animal, or object you want to crop, and the system will select it for you to reuse.

For security reasons, it is recommended to disable its display. the last digit of the PIN or the complete unlock patternThis is configured in Settings > Lock screen > Secure lock settings, reducing the chances of someone "stealing" your password by looking over your shoulder.

Even the Clock app has become more customizable: in One UI 6.0 and above, you can assign specific wallpapers to your alarms From Clock > Alarm > three-dot menu > Clock settings, ideal if you want to wake up to a specific photo or animated background.

How to update your Galaxy to the latest version of One UI

Keeping your mobile phone up to date is key to enjoying all these improvements. Since 2021, Samsung has offered up to four major One UI and Android updates and five years of security patches on many of its flagship models.: Galaxy S21 series and later, Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 and later, some Galaxy A series, tablets such as Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S8, Galaxy Watch4 and later, and recent Galaxy Book laptops (the latter with support cycles linked to Windows).

To check if an update is available, Go to Settings > Software update > Download and installThe device will connect to Samsung's servers and, if there is a new version of One UI or a security patch, it will offer to download it.

Once the download is complete, you will be able to choose between “Install now” or “Schedule installation”If you're going to update right away, make sure you have at least 50% battery or leave your phone connected to the charger to avoid interruptions during the process, especially if it's a major version upgrade.

With this pace of updates, the expansion of AI, and its arrival on more types of devices, One UI has established itself as one of the most complete and consistent layers in the Android ecosystemCombining a comfortable design for large screens, many customization options, and a support policy that, while not perfect, is clearly above the industry average.