Now Bar Will Be Even More Useful In One UI 8

The post Now Bar Will Be Even More Useful In One UI 8 appeared first on Android Headlines.

May 7, 2025 - 21:22

If you have been using Galaxy smartphones or tablets running One UI 7, you must be aware of the Now Bar feature. It is a pill-shaped UI element, which, when enabled, is visible across the lock screen, status bar, and Always On Display (AOD). Now, Samsung appears to be making some improvements to Now Bar, which might roll out with the Android 16-based One UI 8 update.

One UI 8 leak hints that the Now Bar will come with improved functionalities

Folks over at SamMobile spotted a post on X, showing an image and a video of Now Bar in One UI 8, with improved functionalities. Per the post, Now Bar displays extra information on the lock screen. This includes details of ongoing phone calls and the device’s Do Not Disturb (DND) status.

In One UI 8, you’ll be able to see the duration of calls and the contact’s name right on the Now Bar. There’s no such Now Bar feature available in One UI 7. Now Bar will also feature the standard UI design on the cover screen of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip phones. With this behavior, Now Bar will match its UI on the main screen.

It’s unclear whether Samsung will add extra features to the Now Bar in One UI 8, beyond those discussed above. If it does, be ready to see more as leaks around One UI 8 are picking up the pace lately. According to leaked One UI 8 materials, Samsung is also improving a lot of existing features.

Samsung introduced the Now Bar with Android 15-based One UI 7 earlier this year. You can track a stopwatch, access information like sports scores, and even control multimedia without unlocking your device. As with every new feature, some users like it, some don’t. Therefore, you always have the option to disable the Now Bar on One UI 7-powered Galaxy devices. From what it looks like, Samsung is doing its bit to tempt users with additional Now Bar functionalities in One UI 8.

The beta program for the next-gen OS might open next month

As of now, we haven’t heard much about the release of One UI 8. But Samsung might roll it out after the upcoming Unpacked event, where it will unveil its next-gen foldables. If you are eyeing the One UI 8 beta program, chances are that Samsung will launch it next month.

One UI 8 Now Bar displaying call duration — Image: X/@Topraks9plus

The post Now Bar Will Be Even More Useful In One UI 8 appeared first on Android Headlines.