Massive back-to-back One UI 7.0 video leaks emerge

Samsung’s One UI 7.0 update, built on the foundation of Android 15, is shaping up to be a doozy, and thanks to some over-eager YouTubers and a maybe-not-so-careful demo at a recent conference, we’re getting a juicy glimpse of what’s to come well before the official launch.

First, let’s rewind a bit. In early October, Samsung held its annual developer conference, the SDC 2024. Here’s where things get interesting. While Samsung officially announced One UI 7.0, they kept its actual look and features under wraps. No big deal, right? Well, then SamMobile got their hands on a Galaxy S24 Ultra running the new software and gave us a sneak peek through a hands-on video. This video showcased a brand new two-page Quick Panel design, revamped notifications with a bolder look, and a smoother multitasking experience. Think stacked app windows and a search bar in the app drawer for ultimate organization.  

Just recently, YouTuber Mobile Wala Bhai decided to play spoiler and uploaded a video diving deep into One UI 7.0’s customization options. Apparently, we can expect even more control over our phone’s look and feel. Imagine rearranging quick setting toggles, moving the lock screen clock around, and even choosing where to see your emergency contact information – the power is literally in your hands (or should we say, fingertips?).

One UI 7.0 also seems to be giving its app icons a makeover. Expect redesigned icons for Camera, Contacts, and Gallery, and rumor has it some other stock apps are getting the same treatment.

Security is always a top priority with any major OS upgrade, and it seems One UI 7.0 isn’t leaving it out. The leaks suggest a new “Secure Wi-Fi” widget, perfect for keeping your connection safe and sound. Plus, the notification redesign with its stronger background blur adds another layer of privacy, making it harder for prying eyes to see what’s popping up on your screen. Another new addition, and potentially a handy one, is a pill-shaped element at the bottom of the lock screen that can display emergency contacts, charging animations, and other useful info. The new customization options, enhanced app icons, and sleeker graphics for widgets hint at a refresh Samsung hopes users will love.

Now, leaks happen. It’s kind of a tech world tradition at this point, and the One UI 7.0 leak is not Samsung’s first rodeo — or the industry’s. With the internet fueling rapid information sharing, pre-release product leaks are almost a regular occurrence in the tech world. Back in May 2020, iOS 14 found its way onto Twitter months before its official release, offering an early glimpse into Apple’s plans for the update. Around the same time, Beta Profiles, an unofficial service for downloading beta versions of iOS, eventually faced legal threats and shut down in August 2022 to avoid Apple’s ire.

And Samsung’s competitor isn’t the only one to suffer from this trend. In June 2017, an incomplete build of Windows 10 was leaked online by someone with access to early versions of the OS, inadvertently revealing Microsoft’s plans to refine their operating system. Even further back in April 2010, Apple experienced one of its most notorious leaks when a prototype of the iPhone 4 was found in a bar, leading to a flood of online coverage that spoiled the surprise well before the official keynote. Most recently, October 2024 saw an entire retail unit of an upcoming Apple MacBook leak online in all its glossy glory, weeks before the company’s planned unveiling.

But in the case of One UI 7.0, it seems Samsung might be playing a little game of peek-a-boo. Did they accidentally leave a demo phone lying around at the SDC? Did they strategically “leak” some features to build hype? We may never know for sure, but one sure thing is these leaks are giving us a front-row seat to the exciting world of One UI 7.0, and we’re loving every minute of it.

The update is expected to arrive before the end of the year, at least for developers and public beta testers, before rolling out in stable from early 2025.