The much-anticipated Samsung One UI 7, currently in beta, is generating buzz – but not all of it is positive. A recent discovery by a Reddit user, highlighted by Android Authority, reveals a significant change: the removal of full-size lock screen widgets. This seemingly small alteration could represent a major shift in Samsung’s user interface philosophy and potentially impact millions of Galaxy smartphone users.
Currently, One UI 6 users enjoy the convenience of full-size widgets displayed in a carousel on their lock screens, accessible by tapping the clock. This feature sits alongside smaller, mini widgets. However, the One UI 7 beta reveals a stark departure: the carousel, and with it, the ability to display full-size widgets on the lock screen, is gone. Only the smaller mini widgets remain.
This change echoes Google’s decision to remove native support for lock screen widgets back in Android 5.0 Lollipop. While Samsung previously offered this feature as a customization, One UI 7 appears to be bringing Samsung’s UI closer in line with Google’s core Android experience. Previously, users could access and customize lock screen widget settings via the Settings > Lock screen and AOD menu, selecting from options including Weather, Calendar, and Digital Wellbeing. This option is no longer present in the One UI 7 beta.
The removal of this feature is particularly noteworthy as One UI 7 is expected to launch alongside Android 15, debuting on the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra) next month before rolling out to existing devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This strategic timing raises questions about the long-term vision for customization within Samsung’s flagship experience.
Interestingly, while Samsung seems poised to remove a key customization feature, the Android landscape might be changing. Full-size lock screen widgets have reappeared in Android 15 QPR1 and persist in QPR2, at least for tablets. This development adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that while Samsung moves away from the feature, Google may be reconsidering its utility. The implications of this divergence for future Android versions and Samsung’s design decisions remain to be seen.
The removal of full-size lock screen widgets in One UI 7 is a significant development that warrants attention. It’s a move that will undoubtedly impact user experience and represents a departure from previous Samsung UI iterations. The upcoming launch of One UI 7 with the Galaxy S25 series will offer the clearest picture of this change and its potential effects on the millions of users who rely on Samsung’s customized Android experience.
