If you’ve invested in a new Samsung Galaxy S25 phone, then you get access to the latest software features from Samsung, courtesy of One UI 7. This is Samsung’s take on Android 15, which will slowly be making its way to older Galaxy handsets over the coming months, though there’s no exact time frame.

One UI 7 brings with it a new lick of digital paint and a range of small improvements. But two new features stand out: Now Bar and Now Brief. Built with a sprinkling of artificial intelligence (of course), these are the new features you’ll want to check out first if you want to make the most of your Galaxy S25.

Customizing the Now Bar

The Now Bar is Samsung’s answer to Live Activities on the iPhone: Those panels that pop up and expand onscreen when there’s real-time information you need to know about. Think sports scores, or a rapidly approaching Uber, or a timer for a recording you’re making—anything where a persistent notification is useful.

Android has long supported persistent notifications that stick at the top of the screen, but the Now Bar makes them more prominent, specifically on the lock screen. Even if your Galaxy S25 is locked, you can keep up with important updates from critical apps: Maybe navigation instructions in Google Maps, for example.

Tap on the Now Bar to see more details from an app.

David Nield

Developers need to build Now Bar support into their apps, so you won’t see every app appear right away. Samsung has made sure all of its own apps are Now Bar–ready, including Samsung Health; you can see constantly updated activity stats on the Now Bar widget while you work out, all without having to unlock your phone.

In addition, the Now Bar is the new place for the lock screen audio player widget, which was previously higher up on the screen. If you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks then you’ll see quick controls here. Any modes or routines you’ve set on your phone for muting notifications or carrying out automations will appear here too.