Succeeding Samsung Experience, it is designed to make using larger smartphones easier and be more visually appealing.

[5][6] One UI was designed as part of a goal to make Samsung's hardware and software "work together in perfect harmony" and provide a more "natural" experience on large-screen smartphones.

A prominent design pattern in many of Samsung's system applications is to intentionally place common features and user interface elements along the middle of the screen rather than near the top.

For similar reasons, apps utilise large headers to push their main content towards the vertical centre of the screen.

The first version also brought native screenshot editing tools, refined curves, refinements to the Always-On Display (tap to show), an upgraded Bixby with support for remapping the Bixby button, and a new way to navigate the device: gestures released on 19 December 2018.

One UI 1.1 brought a stability fixes and performance optimizations, primarily for the camera, fingerprint reader, and facial recognition.

One UI 1.5 provided a native screen recorder, a "Power Mode" for higher system performance and exclusive early access Link to Windows support in cooperation with Microsoft.

[30] It provides Galaxy users with a skinned Digital Wellbeing experience, a more refined UI in some default apps such as Device Care, a minor UI change to the clock position in quick settings, a native screen recorder, the new Android 10 gesture system, Dynamic Lock Screen (different wallpaper with every unlock), a Trash folder in Files, native Android Auto, and harder Location permission access.

The update includes a few noteworthy improvements, such as a translucent notification panel, brief notifications, new volume controls positioned on the right or left of the device alongside the physical volume keys, slightly enhanced widgets, redesigned incoming call screen, and smoother animations and transitions throughout the whole UI among other features.

It made multitasking easier with enhanced multi-window and task-switching features and also optimized more apps to take advantage of the large screen devices such as foldables and tablets.

The new features were rolled out to all supported devices but bar-type phones continued to show their software version as One UI 3.1 after the update.

It brought minor changes; however, it did introduce features like Smart Calendar, added option to choose how much virtual RAM is desired (from 2, 4, 6 or 8 GB), redesigned palette picker, Smart Widgets, separate Left/Right audio balance, extra brightness toggle, Pro Mode on more cameras, Night Mode portraits, and other minor changes.

It brought many new multitasking features, weather, new battery widget, Settings and Spotify suggestions, Camera and Gallery features, as well as improvements such as the ability to change color tone for selfies, enhanced image remastering, and revamped info display.

[47] It was officially released for the Galaxy S23 series starting 30 October 2023 with other devices expected to receive the update thereafter.

Other new features include a new default font, called One UI Sans, new emojis and an improved multitasking experience.

Built-in Samsung applications such as the Camera app, Gallery, Photo Editor, Weather among others have also received updates to add more functionality and customization.

In mainland China, the cloud partner is Baidu providing its Ernie model,[50] while in international markets (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), the cloud partner is Google providing its Gemini Pro model.

[51] Features coming to all applicable devices include enhanced battery protection designed to prevent battery degradation, SuperHDR for photos in the Gallery and on social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, and the option to show the lock screen wallpaper on Always On Display.

This update includes several new Galaxy AI features such as Portrait Studio, Suggested Replies and Sketch to Image.

Samsung launched the beta program on 5 December 2024, in nearly half a dozen markets across the globe, including the United States, South Korea, and Germany.

[57] The update features a complete revamp of the One UI experience, marking its first major change in six years.

Starting with this version, Samsung will introduce One UI as the default interface on its smart TVs, monitors, projectors,[59] and home appliances.

[61] At a Galaxy Unpacked event on 9 February 2022, Samsung announced that it would offer up to 4 years of One UI (five for S21 series) and operating system updates and 5 years of security updates for flagship devices sold in 2021 and later, and mid range devices sold in 2022 and later.

[63] The new policy only applies to the latest flagship series with foldable device released in 2022 and later will receive Galaxy AI features.