Samsung is preparing to enhance its Now Bar feature with the upcoming update to One UI. Introduced with One UI 7.0, based on Android 15, the Now Bar allows users to quickly view and manage ongoing tasks, such as music playback or timers, directly from the lock screen without unlocking their devices. This functionality is displayed in a series of cards called the Now Bar. A significant limitation of the Now Bar has been its restricted support; currently, only a handful of applications are compatible, most of which are developed by Samsung itself.
However, according to the official “Device Experience Guide” for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, this situation is expected to improve. Currently, 20 applications support the Now Bar, but by the end of 2025, it is anticipated that this number will increase to 35. Although Samsung has not disclosed the new applications, it is evident that the company aims to broaden the feature’s accessibility within the smartphone experience. The proposed enhancements may also leverage Android 16, which introduces a standardized API for developers.
This new tool allows applications to display live updates, such as delivery statuses or media playback, on the lock screen and status bar. While One UI 8 has yet to adopt this system, its future implementation could potentially expand Now Bar support beyond Samsung’s applications to encompass a wider range of services. Additionally, One UI 8 will bring improvements specifically for Galaxy Z Flip users. Initially, the Now Bar cards were only viewable on the cover screen, and engaging with them led users to the respective app or widget.
However, with the forthcoming update, the Now Bar will function consistently on both the cover and main screens, enabling users to directly interact with the cards from the external display. Although the upcoming additions to the supported applications remain unknown, Samsung’s commitment to integrating the Now Bar more deeply into the Galaxy experience suggests a significant shift towards greater functionality. If they also incorporate Android’s live updates feature, the Now Bar could become even more versatile and beneficial for various applications.