As Samsung gears up for the future of foldable devices, the vision for One UI 8, particularly concerning the Galaxy Z Fold 7, is taking shape. Sally Hyesoon Jeong, a key figure in Samsung's Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, has been instrumental in driving the design and development of One UI, with a focus on creating a user interface that is both intuitive and optimized for the unique form factor of foldable phones.
User-Centric Design Philosophy
Samsung's design philosophy revolves around user-centricity, aiming to connect with users on a personal level. This philosophy is evident in One UI, which prioritizes consistency and clarity in the user experience across various Samsung devices and software. For One UI 7, Jeong laid out three goals: simple (with a purpose), impactful (leaving a "signature impression"), and emotive design that elicits a human reaction from the user. The "Now Bar" in One UI exemplifies this, providing a dynamic control center on the lock screen, maximizing utility in frequently used spaces and adapting the interface for simpler one-handed usability.
With One UI, Samsung aims for a systematic implementation of a comprehensive software experience, not only for the latest devices but also for older ones. This involves separating the system layer (device driver and chipset dependent software) from the platform layer (One UI software) to allow independent development. The focus extends beyond visible features to offer the latest experiences for customers using older devices, making One UI more lightweight.
One UI 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7
One UI 8, built on Android 16, isn't solely designed for foldables but runs on standard phones and tablets. Samsung emphasizes making large-screen multitasking possible and optimizing AI for larger screens. When developing One UI 8, Samsung considered bar-type phones, foldables, and tablets together, implementing features across each form factor for a unified experience. Features like multi-window, pop-up windows, and desktop modes will be available for large-screen applications.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is anticipated to be among the first devices to receive One UI 8. The One UI 8 is optimized to work seamlessly across both the cover and main screens of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung is exploring Vision AI upgrades for One UI 8, potentially including features like Video Search and Intelligent Editing Effects, to make capturing and sharing moments easier. The Galaxy S25's Gallery Search, powered by Vision AI, allows users to find photos using natural language, while the Auto Trim feature simplifies video editing.
Design and Hardware Synergies
The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is refined to feel like a traditional smartphone while offering a thin, tablet-like experience when unfolded. It is expected to be thinner and lighter than previous models. Leaks suggest the device could integrate industry-first technologies and a redesigned hinge mechanism to reduce crease visibility and enhance durability. The Z Fold 7 may feature a larger 8-inch main display and a wider 6.5-inch cover screen with thinner bezels.
AI and the Future of One UI
Samsung is integrating AI across its portfolio to enhance customer experiences. The company plans to extend One UI beyond mobile devices to become the software experience for all Samsung consumer products. The integration of AI promises to elevate user experiences, from meeting note transcription to generative artwork creation.
One possible future direction involves a voice-based user interface, instead of an app-based interface, though this won't be limited to foldables. The company aims to improve how AI understands video context. The Galaxy S25's Gallery Search uses Vision AI to make finding photos effortless, and Samsung's new Auto Trim feature simplifies video editing.
Health and One UI 8 Watch
The upcoming One UI 8 Watch is designed to help users build healthier habits through new features supporting sleep, heart health, fitness, and nutrition. New features include Bedtime Guidance to optimize sleep, Vascular Load to measure stress on the vascular system during sleep, Running Coach to support personalized training strategies, and Antioxidant Index to measure carotenoid levels for healthy aging.
The Road Ahead
Samsung's commitment to innovation and user-centric design is setting the stage for the future of foldable devices and the evolution of One UI. By focusing on simplicity, personalization, and seamless integration across devices, Samsung aims to empower users and enrich their lives. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and One UI 8 represent a significant step forward in this journey, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
