Samsung's latest software update, One UI 7 based on Android 15, is rolling out to Galaxy devices with significant changes to the user interface and functionality. As the update reaches more devices, users are discovering new features while some older Galaxy A-series owners face disappointment with update eligibility.
Hidden Gesture Navigation in Separate Panel Mode
One of the most noticeable changes in One UI 7 is the option to separate the notification panel from the quick settings panel. Samsung has introduced two distinct modes: Together and Separate. The Together option maintains the classic experience where notifications and quick settings appear in the same panel, while the Separate option splits them into two distinct panels for better organization and more notification space.
What many users might not realize is that when using the Separate mode, there's a convenient gesture that makes navigation even easier. Users can simply swipe right from within the notification panel to quickly access the quick settings panel, without having to close the notification panel first. This horizontal swipe works from either the top section where the date and time are displayed or from the bottom area between the Notification settings and Clear buttons.
Accessing Quick Settings Made Simpler
This swipe gesture provides a significant usability improvement, especially on larger Galaxy devices where reaching the top edge for vertical swipes can be challenging. The horizontal swipe gesture offers the best of both worlds: more space for notifications while maintaining easy access to quick settings toggles. Users no longer need to choose between seeing more notifications or having quick access to settings toggles as was necessary with the older combined panel design.
To enable this feature, users need to pull down the quick settings panel, tap the Pencil icon to edit toggles, and select Panel settings in the top left corner. From there, they can choose between the Separate and Together options for notification and quick settings panels.
Galaxy A-Series Update Eligibility
While many Galaxy users are enjoying the new features of One UI 7, owners of certain older Galaxy A-series devices will not receive the update. Samsung has decided to skip the One UI 7 update for several older models, primarily those released before 2021.
The list of Galaxy A-series phones that won't receive the One UI 7 update includes the Galaxy A72, A52 (both standard and 5G variants), A52s 5G, A32 (standard and 5G), A22 (standard and 5G), A13 5G, A12, A12 Nacho, A03, A03s, A03 Core, A02, and A01 Core.
Galaxy A-series phones not receiving One UI 7:
- Galaxy A72
- Galaxy A52 (standard and 5G variants)
- Galaxy A52s 5G
- Galaxy A32 (standard and 5G)
- Galaxy A22 (standard and 5G)
- Galaxy A13 5G
- Galaxy A12 and A12 Nacho
- Galaxy A03, A03s, A03 Core
- Galaxy A02
- Galaxy A01 Core
- All A-series phones launched before 2021
Samsung's Evolving Software Update Policy
Samsung has been leading the Android ecosystem in terms of software support for mid-range devices. While many competitors offer only two major OS upgrades for their mid-range phones, Samsung has been providing three major upgrades for its A-series devices. The company has continuously improved this policy, offering four major upgrades for models like the Galaxy A73 and A55.
More impressively, recent models such as the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 now come with promises of six years of OS updates, setting a new standard in the mid-range segment. This extended support makes Samsung's mid-range lineup particularly appealing for budget-conscious consumers looking for long-term value.
One UI 7 Rollout Timeline:
- April 8, 2025: Initial rollout began for flagship models
- April 2025: Older flagships (S23, S22, S21 series) and tablets receiving updates ahead of schedule
- June 2025: Official schedule for Galaxy A-series updates (may arrive earlier)
One UI 7 Rollout Timeline
The One UI 7 rollout began on April 8, 2025, with flagship models receiving priority. Surprisingly, older flagship series like the Galaxy S23, S22, and S21, along with Galaxy Tab S9 series, Tab S8 series, and Galaxy foldables, have already started receiving the update ahead of schedule. These devices were originally planned to get the update in May 2025.
For Galaxy A-series devices that are eligible for the update, Samsung officially scheduled the rollout for June 2025. However, given the accelerated pace of the current rollout, it's possible that some A-series models might receive the update earlier than anticipated, potentially as soon as May 2025.
Users who find their devices on the non-eligible list may want to consider upgrading to newer models like the Galaxy A16 5G, which comes with Samsung's promise of six OS updates – an unprecedented offering in the mid-range smartphone category.