The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 stands out as one of the initial devices from Samsung to feature the Android 16-based One UI 8 firmware. This latest update introduces a range of new capabilities for the clamshell foldable phone, including the innovative Galaxy AI-powered Now Bar on its cover screen. Currently, this feature supports 20 applications and services, but a recent report indicates that Samsung aims to increase this number to 35 by the year’s end.
Expanded Now Bar Features on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
The One UI 8 firmware update for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 includes the Now Bar component, which utilizes Galaxy AI to offer a selection of stacked cards on the device’s cover screen. These cards present personalized briefs, suggested content, reminders, travel updates, and additional information.
At this time, the Now Bar is compatible with 20 apps and services, including several Samsung in-house applications like Interpreter, Now Brief, Media Player, Stop Watch, Timer, and Voice Recorder. Additionally, it integrates popular services such as Google Maps and Sports, along with several third-party applications.
According to a recent report from Android Authority, the South Korean electronics giant is poised for a substantial enhancement of the Now Bar feature. The publication accessed information from the “Device Experience Guide” of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, suggesting that the Now Bar will support up to 35 applications and services by the end of 2025.
Details regarding which new applications will be incorporated into the Now Bar remain unclear. However, this potential expansion is largely driven by Samsung’s recent Android 16 update. One UI 8, unveiled alongside the company’s seventh-generation foldable devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event last month, introduced API support for Live Notifications.
This functionality, akin to Live Activities on iOS, provides notifications for ongoing activities directly on the lock screen. It supports activities that have a defined beginning and conclusion, offering real-time updates for time-sensitive notifications, such as active navigation, ongoing phone calls, food delivery tracking, and ride-share status.
In addition to Samsung devices, this new API is also utilized in delivering Live Alerts on smartphones from Oppo and OnePlus.
