One UI 9 transforms Galaxy Z Flip 7’s external display: new home, gestures and widgets

The external panel of Galaxy Z Flip 7 has always been one of the most defining features of Samsung’s foldable, but with the arrival of the beta of One UI 9 its operation changes more than you might expect from a simple software update.

This isn’t about cosmetic tweaks: gestures, the screen layout, and even how apps are managed without having to open the phone.

One UI 9, the new external screen of Galaxy Z Flip 7: what’s changing

With One UI 9, unlocking the external screen no longer simply brings you to the lock screen but to a dedicated home screen, which includes the Now Brief summary and up to 5 customizable app shortcuts. Those who prefer the previous experience can still deactivate this new home from the settings.

The main gestures for navigating on the external display also change. Previously notifications opened by swiping to the right; with One UI 9 they open by swiping down, while the quick panel is summoned by swiping left. The result is a navigation experience much closer to that of the main display on Samsung devices.

App drawer, multitasking on the secondary screen and widgets

One UI 9 introduces a true drawer of applications on the secondary screen, accessible by swiping up from the home. In addition to this, there is a new interface for recent apps, which allows switching from one app to another in a manner similar to what already happens on the device’s main display.

The management of widgets also changes substantially: with One UI 9 you can add them directly from the external screen, without having to open Galaxy Z Flip 7 to do it from the internal display. In addition, app icons take up less space, leaving more room for content on each screen, while new widgets dedicated to Bixby and Samsung Browser are among the new features.

It should be noted that all these features are currently available only through the beta of One UI 9; so to try these novelties you will need to wait until the stable version is released.

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