NEWS
Google Maps now supports Galaxy S24 series’ Now Bar much more useful
Samsung changed the Now Bar settings page with the One UI 7 beta 3 updates by removing the deleted Voice Recorder, Health, Google Maps, Samsung Notes, and, Bixby. Now seems that the Korean tech giant is slowly adding “Google Maps” on the Galaxy S25 and Galax S24 series’ Now Bar on the lock screen.
Recently, Google Maps received a new update with version number 25.05.01.719889437, which supports the Now Bar on the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series’ lock screen. This development suggests that the company will soon release the stable One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 series in the coming days.
Once you’ve entered an address on Google Maps and started navigation, just lock your phone and the directions will transfer to the Now bar. A single tap will open a pill-shaped card, giving you more detailed information about your next turn. Also, you can end navigation from the Now bar once you’ve completed your trip.
Previous repeats suggest that the Korean tech giant would release the official version of One UI 7 for older Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24 series gradually after February 7. On January 22, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series launched with One UI 7 software update. The Galaxy S25 lineup will officially hit stores on February 7.
With the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has also expanded the One UI 7 Now bar functionality by introducing Now Brief, you can get a personalized briefing of specific content that gets updated in the brief card throughout the day.
Additionally, a user recently shared an image that reveals that the Galaxy S25 series with One UI 7 now supports live activities on AOD (Always On Display) with the Now Bar.
Currently, the Now Bar feature is only available for Galaxy S24 beta users and the S25 series. We expect Samsung to bring this feature to older Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S24 series when the stable One UI 7 update rollout begins.
Samsung has started testing Android 16-based One UI 8 on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This big result shows that the Korean tech giant is considering the 2023 foldable, which could also be included in the Open Beta program this year.
After Galaxy S and A series devices, Samsung’s Android 16 optimization for Galaxy devices is in full swing, with foldable models not being added to the testing zone.
A reliable tipster, @Tarunvats has spotted a new One UI 8 build for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on the testing platform. The testing build, F946BXXU5FYG2, hints that Samsung is actively working on One UI 8 for the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Notably, last month, a carrier-locked variant (SM-F946U) of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 for the US was spotted on Geekbench running Samsung’s Android 16-based One UI 8.0.
The One UI 8 update will bring meaningful changes to the UI. The company is also working on redesigning apps and core functionality to further improve the appearance and foundation laid by the Android 15-based One UI 7 update.
Samsung has confirmed that the One UI 8 rollout for Galaxy devices will begin in July 2025. Alongside the beta update for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is also internally testing the One UI 8 build for several Galaxy devices. New information suggests that the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S22 series will be released soon after the stable rollout begins.
A reliable tipster has spotted a new One UI 8 build for the Galaxy S22 Ultra on the testing platform. The testing version, S908BXXUFGYG1, indicates that the Korean tech giant is actively working on next One UI for the Galaxy S22 series.
Additionally, some reports suggest that the Galaxy S22 series will not receive the One UI 8 beta update; instead, these devices will receive the stable update directly. The One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S22 series is expected to be released in October or November 2025.
Recently, Samsung confirmed the stable Android 16-based One UI 8 update rollout for older devices in July 2025. This update will first be available for the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Fold 6. Afterward, the company will roll out the update to more Galaxy devices.
Apart from that, there are notable changes in One UI 8, but they don’t make it a major upgrade, tagged along with the new Android version. The new update is still in the beta stage, and there are likely to be more tweaks and changes by the time the official update rollout begins.
Right now, Samsung’s One UI 8 beta program is only available to users of the Galaxy S25 series. Older Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S22 series, are not part of the public beta. Instead, the company is testing One UI 8 internally on several older models.
Samsung has started testing One UI 8 (Android 16) on the Galaxy S24 FE. It’s the first time that the software server has listed the latest build for the device. An internal test build has been spotted, suggesting the Beta is unlikely for the Galaxy S24 FE.
Recently, an internal build of One UI 8 (Android 16) appeared on Samsung’s software server for the Galaxy S24 FE. This build carries the version number PDA S721BXXU6CYG1, where “C” indicates a major update coming soon.
Samsung has significantly delayed this year’s beta program. Galaxy S24 smartphone users still do not have access to the One UI 8 beta. The public release has been postponed to the third quarter of this year.
The One UI update is expected to roll out for your Galaxy S24 FE by September 2025. Samsung will unveil the final version alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 in July 9. After that, eligible devices will start receiving the major firmware update.
The One UI 8 beta program is currently only available for the Galaxy S25 series, while older flagship and mid-range models are undergoing internal testing.
Galaxy S24 FE users are eagerly waiting for this update. After the official announcement at Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung is expected to roll out the stable version of One UI 8 for more devices, including S24 FE 5G, in the coming days or months.
Although there is no public beta planned for this device right now, internal testing progress suggests that they may get a stable update soon. Make sure your Galaxy device stays updated to be ready for the Android 16-based One UI 8 update.
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