The One UI 7 beta fixes one of my main issues with Samsung phones.
The beta of Samsung's One UI 7 is now available and brings significant new features, including a function I've been waiting for for years.
With the arrival of the One UI 7 beta update for Samsung's Galaxy S24 line, significant changes have been introduced in the way the app drawer operates. A noteworthy modification that had not been anticipated in any previous official announcements is the transition from a horizontal app drawer design to a vertical one, which many users have been eagerly awaiting.
Historically, nearly all Android phones have utilized an app drawer with a rather strict design: by swiping up from the home screen, users access a list of applications that unfolds vertically. This arrangement is quick and easy to understand, but Samsung had opted for a more unique alternative by allowing users to swipe horizontally between different pages of apps after opening the drawer.
Although this approach was not considered a dealbreaker for device usage, many—including those transitioning from one model to another across different brands—found it frustrating to adapt to a different design. The arrival of One UI 7 promises to eliminate this discomfort, as now, by swiping up, users access a vertically scrolling app drawer, similar to those of other brands like Google, OnePlus, or Motorola.
The new setup also includes useful features, such as a right-side sidebar that allows users to quickly jump to apps starting with a specific letter and a search bar at the bottom to find applications and files or perform Google searches. For those who still prefer the horizontal layout, there is an option to revert to this setting with a few taps on the interface.
This update not only alleviates a nuisance for Samsung users who are used to other Android phones, but it also offers new features such as artificial intelligence functions, a redesigned lock screen, and new app icons. The beta version is currently available for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra through the Samsung Members app. Although it is a beta version and may not be fully optimized for daily use, the shift to a vertical app drawer is already considered a significant advancement.
