Innovation is often measured by what we can see – larger screens, thinner frames, or more vibrant displays. However, the most profound shifts occur when the technology itself begins to disappear.

We are stepping into an era where technology should feel like an extension of intent rather than a tool we must learn and manage. In short, we are moving away from digital complexity towards everyday convenience.

For over a decade, the smartphone experience has been defined by touch-based navigation. People all over the world have become accustomed to tapping on screens and managing fragmented applications to complete simple tasks. For this era to close, mobile experiences must become more proactive and adaptive, understanding context and providing assistance the moment it is needed.

With the all-new Galaxy S26 series, the next chapter begins here. The path forward is not about adding more apps, but instead about creating an invisible architecture that enables easier daily living.

SEAO is Primed for an AI Revolution

Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) represents one of the most dynamic, mobile-first digital economies in the world. Google’s recent e-Conomy SEA 2025 report[1] highlights a powerful base of 200 million new users that have come online over the last decade across Southeast Asia. With three in five people now shopping online, and over 60% of all payments being made digitally, the region’s digital fluency has driven a surge in interest towards artificial intelligence (AI), at three times the global average.

This momentum is equally profound across Oceania, where AI has moved rapidly from a concept to a core business driver. In New Zealand, a significant 91% of businesses report efficiency improvements from AI, with half also citing positive financial impact[2]. Australian businesses are mirroring this shift as well; with 40% of SMEs currently adopting AI[3] and agreeing that AI offers a competitive edge and compelling use cases that can transform their operations.

The launch of the Galaxy S24 series two years ago marked the transition from smartphone to a new era of AI phones. Today, for the millions across the diverse SEAO region — from hyper-connected urban hubs to rapidly developing tech frontiers — the phone has become more than a tool, and instead the primary platform for navigating life.

As our region accelerates its adoption of AI, true advancement is achieved when everyday use is powered by seamless anticipation of needs. For instance, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge[4] provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief[5] surfaces timely reminders for important events. The reliable delivery of these experiences requires a foundation of customized hardware, such as the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5, which is designed for high-speed on-device performance on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Sitting quietly beneath the interface, this hardware orchestrates how intelligence understands context to enable intuitive workflows.

The Power of Open Intelligence

To harness these advancements without forcing people to learn entirely new interfaces, technology demands a deeply integrated approach. We understand that customers prefer having a choice in the tools they use, so Galaxy S26 Ultra also comes with a choice of agents[6] to help users complete tasks more easily with a single button press or voice prompt. As we see it, the future lies in an open ecosystem of AI-powered features that users can embrace with confidence—knowing their personal data is secure while enjoying the benefits of a multi-agent experience that is backed by Samsung’s commitment to collaborative protection.

Crucially, this AI transformation cannot be reserved for a select few. We are committed to the democratization of mobile AI, targeting an expansion to over 800 million users globally in 2026. True progress is only achieved when advanced capabilities reach the masses, ensuring broad availability to all.

Trust as the Foundation

With increased power comes a heightened need for trust. As both consumers and organizations scale their AI usage, a multi-agent approach must be built on the principle that access to personal information is strictly limited to the specific task at hand. AI experiences on Galaxy are protected at every level, with personalization, transparency, and user choice guiding every step.

Security is not merely a feature, but a foundational element of our AI infrastructure that users can customize through granular privacy settings, opt-in security features, and intuitive dashboards designed to enable true control and transparency. For instance, the Privacy Display[7] on the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new form of personal protection. Integrated directly into the display hardware, it controls how the screen’s pixels disperse light, limiting visibility from side, top, and bottom angles when activated so users can preserve privacy when needed.

Meanwhile, Samsung Knox ensures that personal data remains protected on the device and is shared only when required. On the Galaxy S26 series, the Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware AI experiences by processing data locally. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts the data of each app. Furthermore, Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection by isolating sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. This system-wide approach combines hardware and software to keep personal information protected.

By equipping our flagship devices with up to seven generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades[8], along with seven years of security updates, we provide consumers with the confidence that their hardware investments will remain secure over time.

The Blueprint for an Intelligent Future

The diverse and rapidly growing digital economies of the SEAO region have created an ideal environment for AI adoption and growth. The launch of our latest flagship line-up is more than an iterative hardware update; it is the deployment of mobile infrastructure required to meet this moment.

By balancing specialized hardware with a collaborative software philosophy, we are laying the foundation for a future where digital experiences become easier and more intuitive, fundamentally making life better for every user in the region.

[1] Google, Temasek and Bain, e-Conomy SEA 2025

[2] AI in Action: Key Findings from New Zealand’s Third AI Productivity Report – AI Forum

[3] Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC): AI adoption in Australian businesses 2024 Q4.

[4] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts currently available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Based on availability at the time of product launch. May change without notice. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[5] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Notifications must be switched on to be used as the recalled data. Recalled data available from supported app notifications, Messages, Gmail and Samsung Wallet and data collected from Gmail is only applicable if the user consents to Personal Data Intelligence’s Gmail read permission. Recalled data for reservation details only available from reservation confirmation messages. 

[6] Availability may vary by region/country and language.

[7] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information

[8] Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device model and market

* Images contain elements created with the assistance of generative AI tools.

Since One UI’s announcement in 2018, One UI was designed to help you focus on what matters most with an easier, more streamlined interface. Today, it has grown into an AI-enabled Samsung experience that connects your phone, tablet, smartwatch, earbuds, laptop, TV, and home appliances. Now, you can enjoy a consistent experience across your home and beyond as your Samsung ecosystem grows and evolves with you, helping you live life as you see fit.

* Content images simulated for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual products, UX, and usage environments.

Easy, Free-Flowing Experiences

One UI across your Samsung ecosystem means you can use apps on one device and pick up where you left off on another, so your routines and experiences stay seamless. From tablet to fridge, fridge to TV or smartwatch to all three, your health updates, memories and to-do lists stay in sync — from here to there and everywhere.

* Images are simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX may vary.

* Images contain elements created with the assistance of generative AI tools.

Cool and Original Experiences

With One UI, the ordinary feels extraordinary as advanced technology and connectivity become part of everyday life. Every tap or gesture opens a world full of new possibilities. Chores take care of themselves while you’re fully immersed in an otherworldly adventure, and your personal assistant helps you bring the heat on the court. To others, it might seem like you have a genie ready to grant your every wish. To you, it’s just Tuesday.

* Images are simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX may vary.

* Images contain elements created with the assistance of generative AI tools.

Just-for-You Experiences

One UI is always with you, for the long haul and the small victories. Whether you’re crushing your goals, eating a bit healthier or simply getting through the day, One UI stays by your side morning, noon and night. Think of it as a little pick-me-up — wake up and get status updates on your sleep and schedule, keep track of your target goals and reflect on the day’s highs when it’s all over.

* Images are simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX may vary.

* Images are simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX may vary.

Your life, your way, every day — from one device to another, at home or on the go. This is just the beginning.

“By bringing One UI to smart appliances, we are transforming the way people interact with technology in their homes,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “This consistency ensures that the experience feels natural and familiar across all our devices.”

A Unified Software Experience Across Samsung Products

With One UI, Samsung is unifying the user experience for the product categories of mobile devices, TVs and home appliances through the application of consistent design elements and functionality. This includes Apps & Services like Bixby[3], Gallery and Samsung TV Plus, which are being made available across various types of screens to enable seamless device interaction and media consumption. Device Connectivity is also enhanced through SmartThings, integrating the home’s devices into a unified ecosystem with easy access to helpful services like Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care[4]. When it comes to Common UI, users will get the benefit of familiar interfaces like Now Brief[5], which deliver personalized and relevant information at a glance. Now Brief offers family members a curated selection of useful content, including daily weather updates, family schedules, tailored recipes, and home insights such as how much time is left on the washing machine.

7-Year Software Support for Smart Appliances

Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will be eligible for software updates for up to seven years after launching, starting from models launched in 2024. This commitment supports product longevity, enhanced functionality and prolonged security throughout the product lifecycle.

Coming This September: Updates for 2024 Smart Appliances

Beginning in September, eligible 2024 launched models will be receiving various software updates that bring enhancements in usability, intelligence and security:

• Upgraded Security: Knox Matrix[6], Samsung’s comprehensive security solution extending protection across devices based on private block chain technology, will be extended to Wi-Fi[7] enabled refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners, EHS, and slide-in induction ranges launched in 2024[8]. All of these products will be protected through Trust Chain, which allows connected appliances to monitor each other’s security status. Screen-equipped models like the refrigerator with Family Hub or 9” screen and Bespoke AI washers with the 7” screen will also be receiving advanced protections like encrypted Credential Sync and Passkey support. These screen appliances will also be updated with the Knox Security dashboard provided on 2025 models, which allow users to easily monitor the security status of connected appliances in real time.
• Smarter Features: Refrigerators with the Family Hub and 9” screens will benefit from the upgraded AI Vision Inside applied to 2025 products, which now supports the recognition of frequently used packaged foods in addition to a larger number of fresh foods[9]. Bixby[10] is also upgraded to support Voice ID[11], allowing it to recognize user voices and provide personalized experiences on shared devices. Users can also enable Bixby quickly and intuitively by simply double tapping on the screen.
• Service Expansion: Samsung TV Plus, supported on refrigerators with Family Hub, will also expand to Canada, Brazil and India in addition to the originally supported countries[12], and 7″-screen washing machines will support eight additional Indian local languages such as Bengali, Punjabi, and Gujarati[13].
• Refined Interface: A refreshed One UI design — first seen on 2025 appliances — will come to 2024 models like refrigerators, washers, ranges and EHS products, offering intuitive navigation and region-specific settings.

By expanding One UI across product lines, Samsung is realizing its vision of a cohesive, intelligent and secure home — where users enjoy familiar interfaces, personalized services and consistent control regardless of screen or device.

For more information on Samsung’s latest AI-powered home appliances and SmartThings innovations, please visit www.samsung.com.

[1] Software updates are provided for up to 7 years from each appliance project’s initial launch, regardless of the local launch date.

[2] Software updates are provided to appliances excluding cases where hardware limitations, such as memory or chip performance, may restrict the updates.

[3] Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Its service availability may vary depending on the country, language and dialect.

[4] To utilize Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care, appliance must support Wi-Fi and connect to SmartThings to activate service. The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[5] Now Brief will be available on home appliances from 2026. Now Brief feature requires a Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model or apps. Some features may require a network connection.

[6] Knox Matrix is applied to all global regions uniformly, with the exception of China.

[7] May vary by model

[8] Product availability varies by country.

[9] As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI Vision Inside also recognizes packaged food items that have been saved by the user, and up to 50 items can be saved with designated names. Packaged items are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[10] Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (India), English (UK), English (US), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Latin America).

[11] The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[12] Samsung TV Plus on refrigerators is supported in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Korea, Mexico, and the United States.

[13] The supported Indian languages are Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, and Telugu.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the expansion of One UI 6.1.1[1], which will bring the latest Galaxy AI features to more Galaxy devices through a new update. The update will extend the AI features of Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to previous models including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series. With the latest advanced features across communication, productivity and creativity, the updated OS will elevate every mobile experience for users to deliver greater intelligence and convenience.

Intuitive Communication Without Barriers

Communicating with someone in another language is simple and easy with Galaxy AI. Interpreter[2] offers Listening Mode, which will now be available on all expanded devices, and one-way translation — whether listening to a presentation. With Chat Assist, users can easily draft emails, social media posts, and more using Composer[3]. Users can simply input a few keywords and Galaxy AI will generate a full message based on tone and personal style[4] for review. Suggested replies[5], previously only available on Galaxy Z Flip6, will now be available on Galaxy S24 series devices — offering quick replies from the wrist when connected to Galaxy Watch7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Powerful Productivity From Anywhere

The latest expansion of Galaxy AI features can transform any Galaxy device into a powerful productivity tool. Note Assist[6] makes time-consuming meeting notes a thing of the past, enabling translation and note summaries, while the newly added transcript feature can quickly create notes based on voice recordings. For added convenience, PDF Overlay Translation[7] can effortlessly translate and overlay text in PDF files or even translate text in images and graphs. And Sketch to Image[8] helps enhance photos by generating a selection of image options that perfectly complement the original image based on simple sketches. Also, the advanced search capabilities of Circle to Search[9] with Google quickly generate search results and now offer step-by-step instructions for solving complex math problems, as well as newly added Sound Search[10] feature.

Advanced Creativity Made Easy

Galaxy AI is enabling everyday users to create professional-grade content, whether they are an amateur photographer or aspiring content creator. Instantly create portraits in a variety of styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolor with Portrait Studio.[11] Plus, Instant Slow-mo[12] users can seamlessly slow a video down while maintaining smooth image quality before quickly saving and sharing in just a few simple steps.

Availability

The software update for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series will begin rolling out in Malaysia on 9 September. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices will be available in the coming weeks.

For more information on Galaxy AI, please visit:

Galaxy AI: https://www.samsung.com/my/galaxy-ai/

[1] The updated software version will be displayed as One UI 6.1 for the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, and S23 FE, and One UI 6.1.1 for the Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series.

[2] Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary.

[3] Composer requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[4] Tone suggesting feature in Chat Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Must meet length requirements to activate feature. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[5] Suggested Replies feature for Chat Assist requires network connection to receive messages. It can suggest replies with or without a network connection once the messages are received by the device. Samsung Account login required. Service availability may vary by language and app. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[6] Features for Note Assist require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by language. Voice recording feature in the Samsung Notes app may not be supported in some countries. Summarizing feature is activated when a certain number of characters is met and is under the character limit. Audio files must be under 3 hours in duration to be processed. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[7] Overlay translation not supported for PDF files secured with password.

[8] Sketch to Image requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Sketch to Image may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[9] Sequences shortened and simulated. Results for illustrative purposes only. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android to the latest version. Product functionality may be dependent on app and device settings. Some functions may not be compatible with certain apps. Availability of the service varies by country and language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Circle to Search is not available via FlexWindow.

[10] Sound Search will be rolled out across regions and models on an ongoing basis to ensure feature accuracy and performance.

[11] Portrait Studio requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Supports JPG, HEIC (HEIF), BMP and PNG files. The background must not be transparent. Editing with Generative Portrait results in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[12] Instant Slow-mo feature is available on Samsung Video Player and Samsung Gallery. May not be available on certain video file types. Accuracy of results not guaranteed.

In order to provide a more seamless and enhanced device experience to users, the One UI 5.1.1 software update will come to Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 devices starting this month, with Z Fold3, Z Flip3, Z Fold2 and Z Flip devices receiving the update sequentially. Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S7, Tab S7+, Tab S7 FE, Tab S6 Lite, Tab A8, Tab A7 Lite, Tab Active 3 and Tab Active 4 Pro users are also set to enjoy several new user-centric features as part of the One UI 5.1.1 update. In addition, Galaxy Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, and Watch4 Classic users will experience key updates from the One UI 5 Watch update.

Read on to learn more about how these latest updates are set to deliver a whole new level of innovation and productivity direct to your fingertips.

Open Up New Ways to Interact With Your Device

One UI 5.1.1 helps Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 users enjoy their favorite media and content easier than ever with Flex Mode[2], thanks to a range of enhanced features and functionalities.

This upgrade now makes it simpler for you to show or hide your Flex Mode Panel. When folding your phone in Flex Mode2, the panel’s icon will float up the screen, allowing you easy access. Enjoy a more personalized Flex Mode Panel experience by simply dragging and dropping the icon on the toolbar. This customizable panel provides users with easy access to features such as Multi Window3, touchpad, screen capture and more.

With the new update, the media play bar button – complete with a 10-second fast forward and rewind and features access – is showcased in one convenient place when the Flex Mode Panel activates. You can also press down for easier scrubbing through your media’s progress bar. When you’re enjoying a movie in Flex Mode2, you can make the most of your favorite content by rewinding or fast-forwarding with just a single tap with your personalized Flex Mode Panel Tool Bar. Or, you can open a new Multi Window[3] to reply to a message or browse for reviews online, all without interrupting your viewing.

Do More At Once For More Versatile Device Experiences

The multitasking experience for foldables and tablets is set to improve. While enjoying a video using your Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 or Tab S8, you can easily open Samsung Internet in a pop-up window to search for something, all while your content still plays. When you’re done browsing, the window can be easily dragged to the edge of the screen, where it will now snap seamlessly into place. If you want to access Samsung Internet again, simply tap the pop-up to open the window to its previous location.

Intuitively switch from the pop-up window to Multi Window3 by pressing and holding the handle at the top of the pop-up window. The new update supports more effortless launch and control of your screen, allowing you to seamlessly switch to split view and easily control your screen through a simple long-press of the pop-up view handle.

Two-handed drag and drop[4] is now supported on your foldable and tablet’s main screen, allowing you to open your desired app with one hand and then use the other to drag a file, app icon or other item into your target folder or location. This update makes it even quicker to seamlessly share multiple photos from your Gallery with a friend via a messaging app.

With the latest update, Galaxy Z Fold4 and Tab S8 users can unlock next-level productivity for both work and play thanks to innovative additions to the Taskbar[5]. Now, the Taskbar5 enables lightning-fast task switching with access to up to four recent apps.

Take Your Wellness Journey To The Next Level And Express Yourself With Galaxy Watch^[6]

The One UI 5 Watch update is bringing more personalized wellness features^[7] designed to help you achieve a healthier you, as well as more customizable style options that are able to match perfectly with your lifestyle, to the Galaxy Watch5 and Watch4 series.

With the upgraded sleep management feature^[8], users are able to better understand their personal sleep patterns through a more intuitive UI with detailed analysis of Sleep Score Factors[9], Sleep Consistency and Sleep Animal Symbols^[10]. Users can also access Sleep Coaching10 right from their wrist, empowering them to track their progress more conveniently and stay motivated throughout the day.

Furthermore, maintaining a sleep-friendly environment is important for a restful night of sleep. When it’s time for bed, your Galaxy Watch can help set the optimal sleep environment by automatically adjusting the settings of connected home devices^[11]. In addition, when Sleep Mode is turned on, the invisible LED infrared sensor on the watch activates to minimize even the smallest of distractions.

The One UI 5 Watch update empowers you to enjoy personalized fitness tools that allow you to set your own fitness goals – and to achieve them. The Personalized Heart Rate zone feature analyzes your physical capabilities^[12] and establishes five optimal running intensity levels, and in addition to the existing more than 100 existing workout trackers, you can now record your runs on the track with Track Run. For Galaxy Watch5 Pro users, even more enhanced GPX features^[13] are available, with users now able to explore and conquer new routes more conveniently through the GPX File Database^[14]. In addition, you can easily search and download various GPX route files around your location. The Route Workout feature has expanded to support running and walking as well as hiking and cycling.

What’s more, Galaxy Watch5 and Watch4 users have access to an even greater selection of stylish and informative watch faces^[15] able to perfectly match their style and goals. Coming this fall, Galaxy Watch Active2 and Galaxy Watch3 users, too, will be able to enjoy some of these new watch faces – Stretched time and Perpetual – in order to express themselves with style.

Enhanced Galaxy Ecosystem Experience^[16]

The latest One UI update is optimizing smartphone camera control for users. With the addition of a dedicated quick access button on your Galaxy Watch, you can more easily remote control your paired Galaxy Z Flip4’s camera directly from your wrist to seamlessly switch camera modes and even zoom in or out.

[1] The term ‘previous generations of devices’ refers to those models released prior to the release of Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Tab S9 and Watch6 series. The One UI update is supported on the following generation devices as follows: Galaxy Z Fold: Z Fold4, Z Fold3 and Z Fold2 models. Galaxy Z Flip: Z Flip4, Z Flip3 and Z Flip. Galaxy Tab: Tab S8, Tab S8+, Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S7, Tab S7+, Tab S7 FE, Tab S6 Lite, Tab A8, Tab A7 Lite, Tab Active 3 and Tab Active 4 Pro. Galaxy Watch: Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, and Watch4 Classic. The software update will come first to Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Tab S8 series and Watch5 series first and then will become available sequentially to previous generations.

[2] Flex Mode is supported at angles between 75° and 115°.

[3] Certain applications may not support Multi Window or App Pair.

[4] Certain applications may not support two-handed drag and drop.

[5] Taskbar feature supported on the main screen only.

[6] Feature availability and support may vary by market, carrier and model.

[7] Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or its applications should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier or the paired device.

[8] Sleep features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[9] Displayed on a paired smartphone.

[10] Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.

[11] Available on smart devices that are registered to SmartThings. Requires the latest version of Samsung Clock and SmartThings mobile apps.

[12] In order to update the ranges of each heart rate zone for running based on cardiopulmonary capabilities, the user is required to run outdoors for more than 10 minutes at a constant speed of 4km/h or faster.

[13] GPS function requires internet connection. Can be used on LTE models without paired smartphone. Non-LTE models require Bluetooth connection to their paired smartphone.

[14] The features are supported via the Samsung Health mobile app.

[15] Availability may vary by market or model.

[16] Availability may vary by market, model and connected devices.

In upcoming weeks, Samsung is excited to be bringing their latest One UI offering, One UI 5, to the millions of Galaxy users around the world with new features that offer everyone the freedom to choose their own mobile experience.

Read on for a closer look at what to expect from One UI 5[1].

Use Your Phone Your Way

One UI 5 represents Samsung’s most personalized mobile experience yet, designed to give people greater options for tailoring their devices exactly how they’d like — and this begins with communication.

The new Bixby Text Call[2] feature allows users to communicate in the manner that is most convenient to them. With Bixby Text Call, you can answer phone calls simply by typing a message. Samsung’s intelligent platform Bixby converts the text to audio and shares it directly with the caller on the line on your behalf, and shows you what the caller is saying by converting their voice to text. This feature is perfect for those moments when you need to communicate but can’t necessarily be heard, such as when on a busy train or at a noisy concert. With this feature, you can take your calls in any environment without being disruptive or missing a beat.

Match Your Phone to Your Lifestyle

What you need from your device can change throughout the day. The features you utilize for your morning routine to get you up and active might not be the same as what keeps you focused during the working day. With the Routines, you can trigger a sequence of actions on your device based on your activities, and with One UI 5’s Modes, you can create customized settings for different parts of your life from sleeping and relaxing to exercising and driving.

For example, while you’re exercising, your priority might be to mute notifications in order to stay in the zone and play music. Alternatively, when it’s time for bed, turning off sounds and turning on Dark mode can help you wind down.

One UI 5 also offers a fresh, new look and feel that makes the user experience more welcoming and seamless. From bolder, simpler app icons to a streamlined color scheme, Samsung has paid attention to the intricate details for a more engaging mobile experience.

Samsung also refined the notifications in One UI 5 to be more intuitive, making them effortless to read at a glance as well as offering more defined answer and decline buttons when receiving a call through the redesigned pop-up call display.

Beyond overall design aspects, personalization and the ability to express oneself is also a key part of everyone’s mobile experience. In order to take this to the next level, One UI 5 now supports easy and diverse customization directly within the lock screen. With just a few taps, you can trim a video to transform your most memorable moments into a moving tribute on your phone. You can make this lock screen feel even more customized by changing the wallpaper, clock style, and notification pop-ups all from one screen.

A Mobile Experience Built Around You

In addition to providing you with options to curate a customized look and feel for your device, One UI 5 also offers new features that help you get things done more efficiently. For example, widgets in One UI 5 come with exciting new options and the ability to keep your Home screen neat and tidy with new Stacked widgets. This new feature lets you drag and drop widgets on top of each other and swipe left or right to quickly and easily scroll through each one, to free up space on your Home screen and use it more efficiently.

In order to help further streamline mobile tasks and activities, One UI 5 also comes with new Smart suggestions for widgets. Based on your usage patterns and the context of your mobile activity, Smart suggestions automatically suggest apps and actions that make the mobile experience even more deeply personalized.

You can easily extract text from images and paste it into a note. Whether it’s quickly capturing event details from a poster you want to send to a friend, or easily saving a phone number from a business card, One UI 5 makes it easier than ever to be productive with smart text extraction.

Furthermore, you can also control all the devices connected to your smartphone in the new Connected devices menu, where you’ll be able to access all features that work with other devices such as Quick Share, Smart View and Samsung DeX. You also now get easy access to the Auto switch Buds menu, which lets you automatically switch your Buds from one device to another for more seamless inter-device operation.

Convenient Security and Peace of Mind

Samsung understands that there is no privacy without security, so in One UI 5, these two settings have been brought together in one clear, easy-to-navigate dashboard, making it easier than ever for you to keep your device protected and your sensitive information private.

This new Security and privacy dashboard has been designed to be as simple as possible to make quick and easy to understand your device’s status. With one quick glance, you can get a quick overview of your device’s security and find suggestions and warnings depending on the status.

To make sure your private information stays private, One UI 5 also features a new notification on the Share Panel[3] that warns you if you’re about to unwittingly share a photo that contains potentially sensitive information such as an image of your credit or debit card, driver’s license, Social Security card or passport.

Built for Galaxy Users, by Galaxy Users

Samsung has worked hard over the last few months to make sure One UI 5 provides our best mobile experience yet, and in order to make sure these changes resonated with real users, Samsung received feedback from the thousands of Galaxy users participating in our One UI Beta program.

The One UI Beta Program ensures that Samsung delivers mobile experiences that truly meet the needs of Galaxy users. Through this program, participants can get early access to the interface and share their feedback to help create the best experience possible. This year saw Samsung open up its Open Beta program for One UI 5 earlier than ever before to ensure everyone had access to the exciting new user interface as soon as possible.

Subsequently, the feedback received during this process has shaped the upcoming One UI 5 experience in more ways than one. From small details, such as smoother gestures for refined look and feel, to whole features, users informed the development journey. Users noted that the Security Dashboard was a much-valued feature, setting the stage for additional updates that give people greater control over their privacy, and feedback also showed that the new Bixby Text Call feature was seen as incredibly useful for answering calls in challenging environments. As a result, this feature is set to support English early 2023.

Stay tuned to learn more about One UI 5 and how you can make your mobile experience[4] exactly the way it should be — uniquely yours.

Devices Eligible for One UI Update:

[1] Available functions may vary depending on the device, country, region, carrier and the version of One UI.

[2] Bixby Text Call is now available in Korean with One UI 4.1.1, and English version is planned for early 2023 via a One UI software update.

[3] Enhanced photo share feature is available only when system language is set in English (US) or Korean. In the case of ID, availability may vary depending on language.

[4] Description of items above is based on improvements made in the current version compared to the previous versions.

As people become increasingly more health-focused, tech industry realized the value in pursuing projects that help individuals monitor their health and fitness. Principal Engineer Jinwoo Song from Samsung Research’s Data Research Team explained how Samsung Health Stack project helps developers and engineers optimize app development and more.

Q1. What does Samsung Health Stack do and what benefits does it ultimately provide?

Samsung Health Stack is an open source project that provides help in conducting research related to digital health using wearable devices, developing applications needed and creating tools for backend server and analysis in Android and Wear OS environment. By utilizing Samsung Health Stack, IT developers and engineers can save time and cost needed for developing the right environment, and researchers can focus more on conducting research studies that utilize new digital data. I believe that such convenience for development will be a great foundation for various forms of digital health care research and new data-based technologies.

Q2. What was the focus of the open source when designing Samsung Health Stack?

We designed it by analyzing the user experience of everyone involved in healthcare research so that the solution can accommodate the entire process of recruiting participants, collecting data and analyzing data. When there were some difficulties during the course of the development, we found solutions through health care-related cooperation with many research institutions.

In addition, we made effort to provide the structure that can continue to be scaled up to handle new forms of data and devices that become the interest of digital health researchers. In particular, we’ve designed the structure so that only certain necessary parts can be selected and expanded for use in order to enable application in various cases that go beyond clinical research, such as the area of care, etc.

Q3. What do you think the direction of development will be going forward for data-based health-care technologies?

Due to the technological advancement including AI, and the transition to aging society, the digital technology that centers on consumers and data is becoming more important in the field of health care. In order to respond to such changes, it is important to have the capability to safely manage and precisely analyze various data on users.

We believe that a world in which everyone will be able to receive customized, optimal health care solutions with data on users’ everyday life will come in the future. We’ll continue to make effort to develop technologies and products to make this possible, and we look forward to seeing many developers participate in this effort.

In order to create the best product experience, Samsung’s One UI platform offers a simple and intuitive interface across all of its devices, putting the user at the center of its unified device experience. Content Strategist Josh Ross from Samsung’s Core UX Group of MX Business shared the inspiration behind One UI and how it was created with users in mind.

Q1. What is One UI and what experiences does it provide to users?

One UI is the unified platform for Samsung Galaxy products, from phones and tablets to watches and Galaxy Books. It creates a single, seamless experience that empowers users to get the most from their Samsung products.

Q2. To create an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for users, One UI adheres to four key principles: simplicity, effortlessness, consistency and authenticity. Can you explain why these principles are important for development of One UI and how you think this enhances the mobile experience for users?

You need principles so you can be sure your design is heading in the right direction. We’ve chosen these four principles because they put the focus on the user, which is what we always want to do. Simplicity helps users focus on what matters. Effortlessness means that you don’t have to struggle to get things done. Consistency means that things work the way you expect them to, which helps to make things effortless. And authenticity is about creating experiences that feel natural, like a part of your own self-expression. When these principles come together, the result can be very powerful but also subtle. You don’t always notice all the work that goes into the design, and that’s actually good. The best design is almost invisible.

Q3. Why are partnerships an essential part of One UI? What are the benefits of partnerships for One UI development?

Partnerships are a huge part of the One UI experience. As good as Samsung is, we need the insight and expertise of others to deliver the best experience to users. Partnerships make apps like SmartThings and Samsung Wallet possible, so that you can do amazing things like control your car or your lights, make payments, board an airplane and so much more, right from inside One UI. Partnerships enrich our Samsung Health content with fitness expertise about everything from sleep coaching to body composition to mindfulness. Partnerships add flavor to your chats with GIFs from Giphy and Tenor, stickers, fun camera features on Snapchat and much more. Partnerships like the Global Goals app, a collaboration between Samsung and the UN, help bring awareness to important causes.

We want to empower our users to do things the way they want, with the apps and services they love. Partnerships are a huge part of that.

Q4. Going forward, what are some things users can expect from Samsung’s One UI?

We have a lot of things we’re announcing at SDC this year, so I don’t want to give everything away, but you can always expect further refinement and improvement. We look at everything from icons and animations to how you organize and find things and so much more. We’re learning more and more from our users about how the foldable experience changes things, so keep looking for exciting developments in the area of unique features for the Galaxy Flip and Galaxy Fold.

Samsung has also partnered with HealthTap to provide telemedicine services through its Smart TVs. Samsung’s Tizen, an open-source operating system, helped developers optimize the service for use on Smart TVs. Sean Park, Senior Product Manager from the Experience Planning Group of Visual Display Business, explained more about accessing telemedicine through Samsung’s Smart TVs.

Q1. How did Tizen help with the development of this service?

Samsung Electronics’ smart operating system (OS) Tizen provided the grounds for easy navigation on the large screen display. Tizen is very quick to deploy as evidenced by what we were able to achieve in three months’ time.

Q2. What are the benefits of accessing telemedicine services through Samsung Smart TVs?

Everything nowadays has gone remote. We want to provide Samsung users with a more convenient way to access medical care, which is telemedicine.

Samsung’s collaboration with HealthTap allows you to see a doctor through a large screen from the comfort of your home, creating a more immersive telehealth experience. If you want to access services including mental health counseling, you can do that with Samsung Smart TVs. For those who are a bit older and whose vision makes it difficult to use a small mobile screen, or for those who need to hold small children while consulting a doctor, they can easily access telehealth services through Samsung Smart TVs. We want everyone to be able to easily see a doctor from home, which we believe is not only convenient but necessary.

Ultra-wideband technology (UWB) has been recently gaining more and more attention in the smart device industry. Principal Engineer Haeyoung Jun from Samsung Research’s Standards Research Team talked about the importance of standardization of UWB and how it could shape the future of the industry.

Q1. What is the role of the FiRa Consortium that Samsung Electronics established in 2019 with key industry players, and what specific activities does it do?

The FiRa Consortium develops the interoperability standard and certification program to enable consumers to use services powered by Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in smart devices across devices made by different manufacturers.

After the FiRa Consortium was initially established by only a few companies, including Samsung Electronics, there are now more than 115 member companies participating in defining the interoperability standard together. Furthermore, FiRa is exploring various applications that utilize UWB, and is cooperating with multiple standard organizations across various industry verticals for the standardization of these applications.

Q2. We’d like to know why UWB technology is gaining attraction again recently and how it is moving forward.

As many service providers and manufacturers investigate use scenarios utilizing relative location information obtained by direct communication among devices without heavy infrastructures, the barrier to implementing UWB technology and applications have been lowered. Along with Samsung Electronics, global companies are also implementing UWB into their devices. As the number of UWB enabled products increases in the market, there will be motivation to install UWB infrastructures as well. We anticipate that, if just one or two game-changing UWB applications emerge in the market, the UWB ecosystem will expand rapidly.

Q3. We’d like to know what the new era of wireless communications envisioned through UWB technology standardization would look like in detail.

UWB technology allows your own devices to detect the location, including distance and direction, of other UWB devices in proximity. It also enables the secure data transactions among devices as well as secure internal interfaces, therefore UWB can provide different type of location-based services that GPS is unable to. For instances, UWB brings the same effect as tagging NFC to a reader even with the smartphone placed in a pocket or bag. With the standardized UWB technology, consumers will be able to access new convenient services across multiple verticals.

With opening remarks from Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device Experience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, the presentations revealed how Samsung is crafting systems that help make lives smarter, safer, more convenient and more connected than ever before.

▲ Attendees take their seats at SDC 2022 in anticipation of the day’s wide-ranging Keynote

Read on to see Samsung Newsroom’s recap of the innovation and inspiration revolutionizing how we live and work both now and in the future.

Opening: A Seamless, Frictionless Experience

Jong-Hee Han opened up the day’s talks by underscoring the importance of convenience in an age of brilliant yet complex technologies. “At Samsung, our goal has always been to make our lives easier through technology innovation,” said Han. “But innovation can also be burdensome for users if convenience is not at the forefront. Our teams are determined to deliver devices that are as smooth and accessible as they are advanced.”

▲ Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX Division at Samsung Electronics, welcomes attendees to SDC 2022.

Covering everything from Calm Technology to Knox Matrix to holistic household platforms like Bixby Home Studio and SmartThings, Han outlined a device and systems ecosystem that puts the user experience at the center. “The goal of all this is to give you an easier, seamless and more frictionless experience,” Han emphasized. “So you can focus on what matters most.”

A Home That Learns and Adapts Through SmartThings

Following Jong-Hee Han, Jaeyeon Jung, Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business, discussed how Covid-19 galvanized teams at Samsung to prioritize the important things in life, particularly in the home. “If you’re like me, the past few years have been a time to prioritize what matters, to find moments to pause and refresh,” said Jung.

▲ Jaeyeon Jung, Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business, outlines how the platform is helping realize a truly seamless, intuitive household device ecosystem.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform, Jung explained, is the perfect way to do this in your home. Thanks to a wide range of improvements to the household ecosystem platform, finding, setting up, onboarding and synchronizing new devices into your household will be easier and more efficient than ever. This includes Galaxy Quick Pair, Matter Hub connectivity, SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Music Sync, as well as boosted integration with partner systems and an expanded SmartThings website.

Matter: A Truly Harmonious Household Experience

At the end of her talk, Jung introduced Matthew McCullough from Google, who provided an overview of Matter, a system that lays the groundwork for true interoperability between devices in the home. Samsung is committed to Matter integration, and confident it will make the dream of a fully integrated household a reality.

▲ Google’s Matthew McCullough explains how the Matter interoperability system works, reinforcing Samsung and Google’s collaborative efforts to expand its integration.

By working closely together, Samsung and Google aim to make life for both users and device makers simpler and smoother, with multi-admin features that cut down on manual management and make Google Home and Nest Hub more accessible. “This ease of use across Samsung and Google is just the start, and we’re looking forward to delivering a more seamless, delightful home experience,” said McCullough.

Industry Collaboration Making Device Ecosystems More Open

▲ Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings U.S. at Samsung, expands on the company’s enthusiasm for Matter adoption and introduces the SmartThings Matter Early Access Program.

Continuing with the theme of interoperability, Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings U.S., emphasized Samsung’s commitment to supporting Matter. “To accelerate Matter adoption, we created the SmartThings Matter Early Access Program, where we work with major device manufacturers to ensure their Matter-enabled devices work seamlessly with SmartThings,” said Benson.

The SmartThings app, SmartThings Hub Core and SmartThings Cloud, Benson pointed out, are already prepared to support Matter. “It’s all about delivering interoperability right out of the box,” he said.

The Expanding Role of Bixby

Anil Yadav, Head of Bixby Lab at Samsung Research¹ America, took to the stage to discuss SmartThings’ bespoke speech platform and de facto voice in the home, including its exciting new feature: Bixby Home Studio. “With Bixby Home Studio, you can create experiences that span multiple devices and respond more intuitively to user commands,” said Yadav. “For example, if you ask Bixby to turn on your air conditioner, Bixby can check if you have any windows open and let you know to close them, saving energy.”

▲ Voice system expert and Head of Bixby Lab Anil Yadav lays out the platform’s evolving role in the home and celebrates the launch of Bixby Home Studio.

Ready to do everything from queuing up your next action movie on your Samsung Smart TV to boosting your mobile security with On-Device AI, Bixby is smarter and more powerful than ever.

Premium Security and Privacy for an Integrated Household

▲ Shin Baik, Principal Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, underscores the significance of strong security and personalized privacy, as exemplified by systems like Samsung Knox and Knox Matrix.

Samsung envisions more than just a convenient and integrated home experience. Its teams are also creating an experience that is as safe as it is smooth, as private as it is proactive. After Yadav’s Bixby talk, Shin Baik, Principal Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, discussed with the audience how top-notch innovations need top-notch security to go with them. Unwavering in its three security and privacy principles — transparency, choice and protection — Samsung has worked hard to develop platforms like Samsung Knox. This will keep everything from your phone to your refrigerator safe and secure, said Baik.

A new platform called Knox Matrix, in particular, is now on the frontline of multi-device protection. “Knox Matrix is your own private blockchain,” Baik explained. “Multiple devices share credentials, turning the ecosystem of devices into a shield that protects everyone.”

In step with these developments, of course, is Samsung’s insistence on a customizable privacy experience, which is provided by Samsung’s comprehensive Security and privacy dashboard. “We believe that you — and only you — should be making decisions about how your information is managed and stored,” said Baik.

A More Vibrant Content Ecosystem Than Ever

Sang Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Product & Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, shared important insights on Samsung’s extensive media network, covering a range of recent successes.

▲ Sang Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Product & Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, provides a roundup of Samsung’s diverse — and rapidly expanding — media network.

Samsung Gaming Hub, launched in June, is an all-in-one gaming solution that, thanks to partnerships with industry leaders like Xbox, lets players connect their controllers to Samsung TVs and access all the games they love without even needing a console or PC.

Samsung TV Plus, the FAST streaming TV and video platform that relaunched this summer, now reaches 24 countries and 465 million devices globally. It is projected to clock in an impressive three billion hours streamed by users by the end of 2022.

Thanks to broad reach, smooth monetization integration and an advertising environment optimized for both clients and users, Samsung streaming also offers an ideal platform for premium advertising.

“Today, Fortune 500 companies from around the world have leveraged Samsung TV Plus and our other advanced TV advertising solutions to reach valuable consumers,” Kim said.

Tizen’s Global Conquest

▲ Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business discusses all things Tizen, from the operating system’s global reach to its growing spectrum of applications.

Following Sang Kim, Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business, took to the stage to talk about Tizen, Samsung’s open source, Linux-backed operating system. Kim took the audience through a huge variety of developments in the Tizen journey, which is growing its capabilities to an ever-wider spectrum of uses and applications.

Leveraging partnerships with gaming leaders like Xbox, NVIDIA and Utomik, Tizen is helping bring a truly consolidated, uninterrupted gaming experience to users with Samsung Gaming Hub, with fantastic performance and image quality, Kim explained. It delivers stunning visual displays and blockchain wallet integration to Samsung TVs for better at-home art experiences, while also helping Smart Hub deliver the best in content searches and recommendations. Tizen Enterprise, meanwhile, is boosting B2B partners’ display and signage options, while Tizen Everywhere aims to expand licensing and bring the system to more countries.

“Since its launch ten years ago, Tizen now powers more than 330 million TVs, refrigerators and other smart devices,” said Kim. “At Samsung, we will continue to create Tizen experiences that transform and go beyond what many thought possible.”

One UI 5 and the “Your Galaxy, Your Way” Philosophy

Next up was Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience Business, whose theme for the day was the company’s latest leap forward in the UI experience: One UI 5.

▲ Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience Business, introduces One UI 5, the next stage of Samsung’s UI evolution and a distillation of the “Your Galaxy, Your Way” philosophy.

“On this stage three years ago, I shared our vision for One UI, the essence of the Galaxy experience,” Jeong began. “One UI truly captures the ‘Your Galaxy, Your Way’ philosophy by bringing users an intuitive, connected experience that is uniquely yours.”

Splitting the new UI update’s advancements into three areas — Personalization, Productivity and Possibility — Jeong shared a host of new and improved features. Personalization included deep customization enhancements, like Dynamic Lockscreen for smartphones, Watch Face Studio for Galaxy Watches and custom-built Modes and Routines, while health and security functions are also more adaptable than ever. The Productivity section included Bixby Text Call, improved phone-to-PC connectivity and multitasking upgrades like Taskbar improvements. Possibilities covered One UI 5’s integration with innovative Samsung Foldable devices and related functions like Flex Mode.

A Look Over the Horizon: Robotics and Health in Tomorrow’s Homes

The final talk before the wrap-up was from Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research. While many of the day’s talks focused on recent improvements, Seung has his eye on the innovations of tomorrow, aiming for no less than the merging of the physical and digital worlds.

“I’d like to invite you to look over the horizon, to a future dreamed of but not yet realized,” said Seung, who divided his presentation between the future of robotics in the home and Samsung’s ambitions to contribute to health & wellness research.

In the home robotics field, Seung discussed the company’s continued success with a household supported by advanced, AI-enhanced devices, including the object-detecting JetBot AI+ vacuum, the Bot Handy chore assistant prototype and even future plans for Samsung’s latest robot arm manipulation code, which will soon be available on GitHub.

▲ Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research, discusses the company’s plans for a future where advanced robotics technologies support households and outlines Samsung’s ambitions in health & wellness research.

Moving on to the subject of health, Seung introduced Samsung Health Stack, an open source project from Samsung that aims to actively advance health & wellness research. “This is a full stack SDK, a mobile app for patients, a portal for researchers and a backend database,” said Seung. “A complete package of open-source tools designed for the easy creation of digital systems for the research of health and wellness.”

Closing: Building a More Sustainable Future With Samsung

To round off the talks, Jong-Hee Han returned to the stage to offer a final word, summarizing the technologies showcased at SDC and the course of the company’s future of innovation.

▲ Jong-Hee Han returns to the stage to conclude the day’s talks, ending on a proactive vision of a future driven by sustainable, eco-conscious technologies.

“I would like to talk about the future one more time,” he added. “The future of something very dear to my heart: our planet. I believe we have a responsibility to help create a sustainable future. We do that through Everyday Sustainability, a belief that every stage of the product lifecycle can be more sustainable.”

Han presented a range of Samsung sustainability commitments and environmental research directions, including responsible material sourcing, recycling, disposal, renewable energy and billions in investments toward meeting carbon emissions reductions.

“By 2027, we will run all DX operations on renewable energy,” Han said, ending the day on an optimistic note and a glimpse of a future for customers that is easier, more seamless, more frictionless and — crucially — more eco-conscious.

Watch the video below to see the complete recording of the SDC22 Keynote.

▲ Attendees explore the latest Samsung products at SDC22 booths.

[1] Samsung Research, acting as Samsung Electronics’ advanced R&D hub, leads the development of future technologies for the company’s Device eXperience (DX) Division.

This improved standard builds upon Samsung’s previous promise to provide up to three generations of upgrades and ensures millions of Galaxy users have access to the latest features for security, productivity, better usability and more, for as long as they own their device. Available on selected Galaxy S series, Z series and A series smartphones, as well as tablets, Samsung is planning to scale this effort across its various product ranges within the Galaxy ecosystem and works closely with partners to deliver Android OS upgrades through Samsung One UI. Samsung also provides up to four years of upgrades to One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung, ensuring that users can enjoy the latest Galaxy Watch experiences.

In addition to offering extended One UI upgrades, Samsung will now provide up to five years of security updates to help protect select Galaxy devices. These updates – when paired with Samsung’s award-winning defense-grade security platform Samsung Knox – give Galaxy devices more secure end-to-end protection against potential security threats. On top of that, Samsung Galaxy Enterprise Edition customers will receive a one-year license for Samsung Knox Suite solutions to easily deploy and manage devices with access to a dashboard that tracks security updates and more.

Eligible Galaxy devices with four generations of One UI and five years of security updates[1] include:

• Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra as well as Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE and upcoming S series devices
• Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3 and upcoming Z series devices
• Galaxy A Series: upcoming select A series devices
• Galaxy Tablets: Galaxy TabS8, S8+, S8 Ultra and upcoming Tab S series devices

Eligible Galaxy devices with up to four years of One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung[2] include:

• Galaxy Watch: Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic and upcoming Galaxy Watch series devices

“We work hard to bring our Galaxy users innovative mobile experiences that are built to last. And many of our customers are choosing to keep their devices for longer, whether they love their specific smartphone model or want to help contribute to a more sustainable world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of MX Business at Samsung. “Today we are taking our commitment to innovation one step further with up to four generations of One UI upgrades to ensure our users enjoy the best possible mobile experience for longer.”

Samsung puts the utmost importance on providing Galaxy users with the latest mobile experiences possible as long as hardware specifications for upgrades are met and the experience can be optimized.  Galaxy devices not eligible to receive four generations of One UI upgrades are still supported with up to three generations of One UI upgrades.

For more information about Samsung software updates, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00077582/

For security update information, please visit: https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb

[1] Availability and timing of One UI upgrades and features may vary by device model and timing of Android OS upgrades.

[2] Availability and timing of One UI Watch upgrades and features may vary by device model and timing of Wear OS upgrades.

Samsung has been leading the industry by introducing hardware (HW) and software (SW) that break the existing mold every year for the past 12 years since the unveiling of the first Galaxy S device in 2010. Some of the most game-changing so far include a large-screen smartphone with excellent immersion; a smartphone-stylus combination that enhanced productivity and creativity; and the world’s first dual-pixel camera technology. In addition, the Galaxy Note series, Galaxy tablet series and various wearable devices including Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds have contributed to the wider Galaxy ecosystem that has so transformed user’s lifestyles.

Ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event set for February 10, Samsung Newsroom is providing a look back at the technological legacy of the Galaxy series. Read on to learn more about the 10 innovative Galaxy smartphone technologies that have set new standards and transformed the way we live our lives.

#1. 2010
The AMOLED Display: Bigger Is Better

One of the major benefits of a smartphone is that it allows users to enjoy content on a large screen with clear picture quality that sits right in the palm of their hand. Samsung kicked off the trend of the large screen era in the smartphone industry with the introduction of their AMOLED display. This display, developed using Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) technology, is characterized by its clear picture quality, self-luminescence and larger screen size.

The Samsung Galaxy S was the world’s first smartphone to be launched with a Super AMOLED display, an ultra-thin screen that consumes less power and provides crisper and more vivid picture quality. With the introduction of the Galaxy S in 2010, users’ interest became piqued in obtaining bigger screens — such as the 4- to 5-inch screens of the AMOLED display compared to the conventional 3-inches on other phones — on which to fully immerse themselves in their favorite content.

Samsung has continued to take its AMOLED technology to the next level by unveiling devices with more powerful and more advanced screens, such as the Galaxy S10, the world’s first mobile device with a High Dynamic Range10+ (HDR10+) supported Dynamic AMOLED display, and the Galaxy S21 series, which features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an automatic refresh rate of up to 120Hz based on the content type. Samsung’s innovative technology has enabled silky-smooth scrolling and uninterrupted viewing experiences, even on larger screens.

#2. 2011
The Galaxy Note and S Pen: Adding Analog Touch to Digital Devices

As of 2011, it became no longer necessary to keep notebooks and writing instruments in our bags at all times. With the introduction of the Galaxy Note equipped with S Pen, it is now possible to save and share everything from memos to drawings right on our smartphone’s screen. At that time, the Galaxy Note was launched with an S Pen that supported 256 levels of pressure onto the device’s large screen. Since then, both the Note and the S Pen have become inseparable, and as the series has developed, both have evolved significantly.

For example, Samsung introduced Air Command for the Galaxy Note 3 to give users easy access to signature S Pen features when hovering their S Pen over the screen. The company also then incorporated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology into the Galaxy Note 9 S Pen so that its stylus pen could also function as a remote control. For the Galaxy Note 10, the addition of Air Action features enabled users to remotely control their device when switching camera modes or zooming in or out, a marked change from previous models which only permitted users to take photos from a distance. In line with this innovative spirit, Samsung introduced the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered S Pen for the Galaxy Note 20 in order to provide users with a more delicate and sophisticated drawing experience, and as of last year, the innovative S Pen is now available on devices such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold3 to expand its compatibility.

#3. 2013
Samsung Knox: Your Trusted Mobile Bodyguard

We are now living in the era where most of our daily tasks and experiences can be undertaken all with a singular smartphone, meaning that the importance of security cannot be overemphasized. Samsung Knox has become a reliable shield for users concerned about information leakage or virus penetration.

Samsung Knox, installed on Galaxy devices since the Galaxy Note 3 in 2013, protects devices on a step-by-step basis from the chipset to the operating system (OS) and application level, while also blocking hacking and unauthorized access. In addition, thanks to its encrypted container space, a user’s personal and business data can be separated and managed safely.

In 2021, the company launched Samsung Knox Vault with the Galaxy S21 in order to thoroughly ensure the protection of ever-growing amounts of data. In addition to offering the industry’s highest level of security chipset (eSE, or embedded Secure Element) and a secure processor that prevents HW-level attacks, Samsung Knox Vault features a tamper-resistant security memory to protect a user’s various passwords and biometric information.

#4. 2014
Superb IP Rating: Ultimate Protection From Dust and Water

In the early 2010s, if you accidentally dropped your smartphone while using it in water, nothing but despair awaited you. To mitigate this, Samsung expanded the horizon of smartphone experiences by applying waterproof and dustproof functions to the Galaxy S5 for the first time in 2014.

From the Galaxy S7 in 2017 onwards, IP68,¹ the highest waterproof and dustproof rating, has been applied to Galaxy devices in order to strengthen their performance. The IP68 rating is given to devices after testing in fresh water at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes. Galaxy users are now able to use their smartphones with peace of mind thanks to strong waterproof and dustproof technologies.

#5. 2015
Samsung Pay: A Mobile Wallet in Your Pocket

It is no exaggeration to say that, after 2015, the trend of going ‘wallet-less’ saw a surge in increase. At this time, Samsung introduced Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service that replaces the cash and credit cards in a user’s wallet. Since this service was first introduced on the Galaxy S6 in 2015, it has established itself as a core representational service of the Galaxy smartphone.

When using public transportation, as well as when out shopping, users need just touch their smartphone instead of having to get out their wallet to pay. These days, leaving the house without a wallet has become a normal habit.

#6. 2016
Advanced Camera Technology: The World’s First Dual Pixel Sensor

Smartphone camera technologies are advancing day by day, to the extent at which if you have a smartphone, you’re able to capture pictures and videos comparable to that of professionals.

In 2016, Samsung raised the smartphone camera function to a new level by installing the industry’s first dual pixel in the Galaxy S7. At that time, the dual pixel was an image sensor only seen in high-end digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. By increasing the amount of light received by both the front and rear cameras, the Galaxy S7 was able to focus quickly and accurately, as well as take optimal photos in dark environments.

Samsung then combined an Ultra-Wide angle lens and intelligent SW in the Galaxy S10 to help users take even sharper pictures. The Galaxy S20 features a remarkable four quad cameras, raising the level of camera functionality once again. In particular, the optical zoom performance has been greatly improved; Galaxy S20 Ultra users can harness the Space Zoom function to zoom in up to 100 times, allowing them to take clear pictures of the night sky.

#7. 2018
One UI: Making My Own Galaxy

One UI is an interface that supports the unique user experience of Samsung Galaxy, and was first introduced in November 2018.

By dividing the viewing area and the touching area, the layout of One UI allows users to comfortably perform all operations with just one hand, and all necessary essential functions are included concisely on-screen so that everyone and anyone is able to use it easily. One UI is also characterized by a unified user experience as it has been applied consistently to devices across the Galaxy ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets and wearables.

One UI 4, updated last year, harnesses a completely different color palette with which to decorate a device’s home screen, icons, notifications and wallpapers in your own style. In addition, One UI 4 features strengthened security features, such as allowing users to easily select what to share and what to keep private in order to keep up with users who increasingly value their individuality and their privacy.

#8. 2019
Galaxy Z Series: The Dawn of the Era of Foldable Smartphones

In 2019, Samsung pioneered the field of foldable smartphones by unveiling the world’s first Galaxy Z Fold, equipped with a 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display.

Samsung’s newly developed hinge technology makes it possible to open and close the smartphone as smoothly as one opens a book, and offers users secure, long-lasting flexibility that passed a test to withstand 200,000 folds. In 2020, the company’s foldable lineup was expanding to include the Galaxy Z Flip, which features a compact design as the screen unfolds vertically.

Samsung not only pioneered a new form factor, but also new usability options through such functions as Flex mode, which allows for more usage scenarios by fixing the hinge at a specific angle, and Multi-Active Window, which can open and run apps at the same time with applications optimized for the foldable screen for a split screen view.

Last year, Samsung expanded their foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold3, which saw the inclusion of an S Pen and waterproof and dustproof technology, and the colorful, pastel-toned Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition, leading the era of foldable popularization.

#9. 2021
An AI-Powered Eraser: Removing Unwanted Objects From Photos

As part of Samsung’s mission to expand the application of innovative AI technologies to all smartphones, the company introduced the Object Eraser feature that lets you remove any unwanted objects in your photos with just a touch.

The Object Eraser function, first introduced in the Galaxy S21 in 2021, is a photo editing tool that harnesses artificial intelligence. Simply by touching the object you want to remove from a photo and tapping the ‘object erase’ button, the object is deleted without the need for a separate editing program. Currently, this function is available on smartphones with One UI 3.1 or higher, such as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Fold3.

Samsung first applied its AI-powered interface, Bixby, to the Galaxy S8 in 2017, and now users can control their major Galaxy devices using only their voice. In addition, Samsung has been incorporating AI technologies into its device OS, battery and camera in order to improve performance and convenience.

#10. 2021
Galaxy for the Planet: For a Sustainable Future

Samsung is fully committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its products throughout the entire lifecycle of its smartphones, from the design to the production stage through to their usage and disposal, in order to ensure that Galaxy smartphones contribute to greater environmental sustainability. Under the sustainability vision of its Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, “Galaxy for the Planet,” Samsung is consistently working to achieve a circular economy by reusing and recycling resources in order to build a better Galaxy ecosystem.

One such effort towards sustainability is a reduction of plastic usage in smartphone packaging. The percentage of plastics used in the Galaxy S21 packaging accounts for a mere 4 percent of the total weight, cutting down the waste generated per packaging unit by 49 percent as compared with that of the Galaxy S7. In addition, the Galaxy S21 packaging contains only 58 percent of the paper used in that of the Galaxy S7, helping save some 44,802 trees a year. Samsung plans to exclude plastic materials in its product packaging and apply recycled materials to all of its products in the MX division by 2025.

The products set to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2022 are drawing attention thanks to the revelation that they have been designed using eco-conscious materials recycled from marine waste. Samsung has succeeded in transforming discarded fishing nets, a major contributor to marine pollution, into a material with which to produce smart devices, and the company plans to apply this material to all its products in the future.

¹ IP (Degree of Ingress Protection, IP Code) is a product-related protection technology standard established by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and is applied to various IT products and industrial devices. IP68 is the highest rating for dust and water resistance. Ip68 has a waterproof function that can withstand 1.5m of clear water for 30 minutes, but it is recommended that the device be washed off immediately after contact with water and then dried.