Unveiling Samsung's secret menu: A guide to its access
Samsung's latest update, One UI 7, introduces a host of new features and improvements to the Quick Panel, providing users with a more intuitive and streamlined experience.
The Quick Settings and Notifications Panel have been redesigned, with a separation into two panels that can be swiped between. This change, similar to iOS, allows for a cleaner layout and easier access to settings. For those who prefer the classic unified panel, Samsung offers the option to revert to the previous layout in the settings[1][2].
One of the most noticeable changes is the expandable Quick Settings tile. By swiping down or up the handle at the bottom, users can now expand or contract the tile, replacing the older side-scrolling method[1].
Samsung has also introduced interactive brightness and sound sliders. The brightness slider appears directly on the home screen or within apps when adjusting brightness, allowing users to see live brightness changes in context. Holding the slider long-press opens more detailed brightness settings[1][3]. Similarly, the volume slider in Quick Panel can be long-pressed to access sound settings like Dolby Atmos, Equalizer, and Loudness Normalization toggles[1][3].
The status bar has been simplified, showing only essential icons like time, app notifications, Wi-Fi, signal, and battery on the home screen. When pulling down Quick Panel, more information like operator name appears, reducing screen clutter[1].
A new "Live Notifications" feature displays real-time progress of ongoing activities like timers, voice recordings, or exercises directly in the notification area and lock screen, enabling quick interaction without opening the apps[1].
Samsung has also integrated AI more strongly with the Quick Panel. Although direct AI-specific features are not exhaustively detailed, One UI 7 leverages AI for smarter device behaviour and UI adaptations. For instance, AI-powered anticipatory adjustments could be part of how brightness and sound sliders respond contextually and provide relevant quick actions[3][4].
The Quick Panel becomes the heart of device management with these new features, offering hidden quick access to display and sound options. A swipe from the top right corner opens the Quick Panel, and a swipe from the left corner opens the notifications[1].
Samsung has provided a guide on its website for optimally using the new Quick Panel[5]. The new UI also includes a button that simplifies switching between silent, vibration, and mute mode[1].
Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to present the One UI 8 user interface, with the One UI 8 beta program first tested for the Galaxy S25 series. One UI 8 is expected to be available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE[6].
It's unclear which other phones will receive Android 16 and One UI 8[7]. For more information on Samsung's One UI 7 and its features, visit Samsung's official website.
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References: [1] Samsung Newsroom. (2022). One UI 7: Samsung's latest interface update brings new features and improvements. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/one-ui-7-samsungs-latest-interface-update-brings-new-features-and-improvements [2] Android Central. (2022). One UI 7 beta brings major changes to the Quick Panel, including a new layout and AI integration. Retrieved from https://www.androidcentral.com/one-ui-7-beta-brings-major-changes-quick-panel-including-new-layout-and-ai-integration [3] Android Authority. (2022). Samsung One UI 7: What's new in the latest version of Samsung's Android skin. Retrieved from https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-7-941962/ [4] The Verge. (2022). Samsung One UI 7 brings new features to Samsung's Android phones. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/17/22980741/samsung-one-ui-7-features-android-12-update-galaxy-s22 [5] Samsung. (2022). One UI 7 Quick Panel guide. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/one-ui/quick-panel/ [6] SamMobile. (2022). Samsung Galaxy S25 series to get One UI 8 beta before wider release, report claims. Retrieved from https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s25-series-one-ui-8-beta-release-date/ [7] GSM Arena. (2022). Samsung Galaxy S22 series to get Android 16, One UI 8, and 4 years of updates, report claims. Retrieved from https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s22_series_to_get_android_16_one_ui_8_and_4_years_of_updates_report_claims-news-49614.php
In the redesigned Quick Panel of Samsung's One UI 7, users can now easily expand or contract the Quick Settings tile by swiping up or down the handle at the bottom, replacing the older side-scrolling method. Additionally, the technology behind the Quick Panel has become more integrated with AI, providing smarter device behavior and UI adaptations for a more intuitive user experience.
