Samsung's One UI 6.1.1 nears release, One UI 7 to draw inspiration from iOS 18

Samsung users have reason to look forward to the future, as One UI 6.1.1 is almost ready for rollout, and One UI 7 development is steadily progressing. According to a recent post by a Samsung official on the Samsung subreddit, the upcoming One UI updates promise to enhance user experience with new features and improvements, including some inspired by Apple’s iOS 18.

One UI 6.1.1 is set to debut with Samsung’s latest foldable devices. This update is eagerly anticipated by users with recent Samsung releases, who can expect the rollout soon. Among the most talked-about features is the integration of Home Up’s vertical app drawer, developed by the Good Lock team. This addition aims to streamline app organization and accessibility, enhancing the overall user interface.

More intriguing, however, is the news about One UI 7, where Samsung appears to be taking inspiration from Apple’s iOS 18. The official confirmed that One UI 7 will integrate “many features inspired or taken similarly to the Apple counterpart, iOS 18.” This marks a notable shift in the tech landscape, as Apple has historically been accused of copying Samsung features. Now, it seems the tables have turned.

One key area of improvement is the integration of Bixby, Samsung’s AI assistant. Samsung users saw how seamlessly Siri interacts with iOS 18, particularly its ability to correct sentences in real-time, and they want some of that too. The Samsung official confirmed that similar advancements are “at least in the plan” for Bixby, potentially making it a more viable alternative to Google Assistant.

Fans of Samsung’s sleek aesthetics won’t be disappointed. One UI 7 is expected to receive a design refresh, with new animations and a more modern, “glassy” look. This is sure to please users who crave a visually appealing interface.

With Apple promising to offer its AI features for free, the future of Galaxy AI features will always be a bone of contention. The official noted that while on-device features will likely remain free, more advanced cloud-powered functions might become subscription-based after 2025. Unfortunately for users of the A series, the official’s humorous response suggests that these features won’t be extending to those devices anytime soon.

Eager users won’t have to wait long to get their hands on One UI 7. The beta program is set to kick off in August, offering a sneak peek at the new features and improvements.

It’s interesting to note that while Samsung is now taking cues from iOS 18, Apple has historically adopted several features initially pioneered by Samsung. This reciprocal dynamic has driven innovation in the smartphone industry, ultimately benefiting consumers with better technology and user experiences.

And as Samsung prepares to release One UI 6.1.1 and continues to develop One UI 7, users can look forward to a host of new features and improvements. The influence of iOS 18 on One UI 7 indicates a significant update that aims to refine and enhance the Samsung user experience.