Samsung is actively rolling out One UI 7, based on Android 15, across the US. This update brings significant visual and functional changes, including split notifications and a new Now Bar which allows users to access important information easily. The update is currently being made available to all eligible S-series flagship and foldable devices, with the A-series set to receive their updates in May and June, depending on the model.
As One UI 7 deployment progresses, Samsung is also directing its focus toward the forthcoming One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16. It is anticipated that One UI 8 will be released in a stable version by June. Internal testing of the update has already begun on Samsung’s servers, indicating a strong push towards refining user experience with practical and quality-of-life enhancements.
Recent leaks suggest that One UI 8 may introduce a “Private Album” feature in the Samsung Gallery app, dedicated to securely hiding photos and videos. This feature could utilize the Private Space API introduced in Android 15, which isolates files within a secure, encrypted partition. It remains unclear whether this new functionality will operate under Samsung Labs, which merely locks albums from view, or through a more advanced setup.
In addition to the Private Album, One UI 8 is expected to improve the Secure Folder functionality and provide a complete screen mirroring feature for the Gallery app. Unlike previous versions where only media was presented, the new update aims for full mirroring, allowing users to switch seamlessly between mirroring modes. More information about these features may be unveiled when the first public beta of One UI 8 is released, potentially later this month.
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