One UI 7 Mimics iOS Features
Samsung's One UI 7, based on Android 15, incorporates several features and design elements reminiscent of iOS. Two notable examples are the "Now Bar" on the lock screen and "Live Notifications" in the status bar, both functionally similar to Apple's Dynamic Island. However, unlike the Dynamic Island, Samsung's versions currently lack third-party app integration. One UI 7 also mirrors iOS 18's home screen customization options, allowing users to display widget names, adjust app icon sizes, and toggle app name visibility. The multitasking page design in One UI 7 is strikingly similar to iOS, and even the new battery icon and charging animation resemble Apple's design. Furthermore, One UI 7 adopts a split notification tray and Quick Settings tray, mirroring iOS functionality. While many of these changes are clearly inspired by iOS, One UI 7 also introduces several welcome changes independent of Apple's influence. For more on Samsung updates, check out Xiaomi's Kernel Upgrade.
Other Notable Updates
Alongside Samsung's One UI 7 release, Google launched the December Pixel Feature Drop for Pixel devices, bringing new features and improvements. This includes Gemini Call Screen replies, Simple View, Identity Check, and enhancements to Live View and Cardio + Target Load on the Pixel Watch. Additionally, Quick Share now supports QR codes, Drive improves document scans, Live Captions gains AI-powered "Expressive Captions," and Google extended Android OS updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold to five years. For more details on these updates, see iOS 18.2 Enhancements. In other news, Google is reportedly granting the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold two additional years of Android OS updates. For related information, see Xiaomi HyperOS 2 Update.