Samsung is preparing to greatly enhance the Now Bar feature with the upcoming One UI 8 update expected by the end of 2025. The Now Bar, introduced in One UI 7 on Android 15, offers quick control and glanceable info for ongoing tasks like music playback and timers through a row of interactive cards on the lock screen—allowing users to interact without unlocking their devices.
Expanded App Support for More Versatility
To date, the Now Bar supports around 20 apps, primarily Samsung’s own, which has limited its usefulness. However, according to the latest Device Experience Guide for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung plans to increase compatible apps to 35 by year-end. While the exact new apps haven’t been revealed, this clearly shows Samsung’s intention to make the Now Bar a more widely useful tool that integrates with a broader set of services and apps.
Potential Benefits from Android 16’s Standardized API
A significant boost to the Now Bar could come from the standardized live updates API introduced in Android 16. This developer tool enables apps to provide real-time interactive notifications—such as media control, delivery tracking, or live scores—directly on the lock screen and status bar. Currently, One UI 8 does not use this API, but adoption in the future could drastically expand Now Bar support beyond Samsung-only apps, making it a powerful feature for all kinds of live content updates.
Improved Interaction for Foldable Devices
One UI 8 also brings a notable improvement for Galaxy Z Flip owners. Previously, on One UI 7, Now Bar cards were visible on the cover small screen but interacting with them opened the full app on the main display, which required unfolding the device. The new update allows full interaction with these cards directly on both the cover and main screen—enhancing one-handed usability and quick task management while the phone remains folded.
What This Means for Samsung Users
The planned enhancements reflect Samsung’s growing commitment to making the Now Bar a key part of the Galaxy smartphone experience. Increasing the number of supported apps and possibly integrating Android 16’s live updates API could transform the Now Bar from a niche feature into an essential multitasking and glanceable information tool. This promises better convenience, efficiency, and control for users without needing to unlock their phones.
For Galaxy Z Flip users, interactive support on the cover screen means better usability and quicker access when the device is folded—an important convenience for foldable phone enthusiasts.