In an exciting development for Android enthusiasts and Samsung users alike, the tech giant has announced a significant update in its latest software iteration, One UI 7. Departing from its traditional app drawer layout, Samsung Galaxy smartphones will now feature a vertically scrolling app drawer—a long-awaited change that aligns Samsung devices more closely with the rest of the Android ecosystem.
For years, the standard across Android devices has been a vertical scroll through apps, a user-friendly feature that allows for quicker navigation and a smoother experience. Despite this trend, Samsung had maintained a horizontal, paginated app drawer, often criticized for its slower navigation. This change marks a pivotal shift in Samsung’s approach to user interface design, directly impacting user experience.
The End of Horizontal Scrolling: Why the Change Matters
The update was introduced with the launch of the One UI 7 beta and has been implemented as a default setting on the homescreen of Galaxy devices, signaling a clear move away from the older, page-based method. Notably, Samsung has made this feature non-optional, with no settings available to revert to the old horizontal scrolling drawer. Users seeking some level of customization can opt for a “Custom” sorting order, which slightly alters the new experience but keeps the vertical scrolling mechanism intact.
This change is more than just aesthetic; it represents Samsung’s acknowledgment of user feedback and an effort to streamline navigation on its devices. Vertically scrolling app drawers allow users to quickly glance through their apps without the need to swipe through multiple pages, making the process much faster and more intuitive.
Enhanced Customization in One UI 7
Beyond the switch to vertical scrolling, One UI 7 introduces several other customization options that cater to diverse user preferences. These include the ability to adjust the number of columns in the homescreen and app drawer from four to five, providing more space and reducing clutter. Users can also choose to eliminate the app drawer altogether, opting for an iOS-style homescreen where all apps are displayed across multiple screens.
Additional customization features include the ability to resize app icons, disable app labels for a cleaner look, and enable labels for widgets, enhancing overall visual organization and accessibility. These changes demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to providing a more personalized and user-centric interface, allowing users to tailor their devices to suit their specific needs and preferences.
The introduction of a vertically scrolling app drawer in One UI 7 is a testament to Samsung’s adaptive and forward-thinking design philosophy. By aligning more closely with the broader Android user experience and embracing popular demand, Samsung not only enhances the functionality of its devices but also solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry, responsive to the needs and preferences of its vast user base.
