Understanding One UI App Drawer Evolution
Samsung's One UI has undergone noteworthy changes in recent iterations, particularly in its app drawer design. One UI 7, based on Android 15, introduced a vertical scrolling app drawer aimed at maximizing thumb reach on larger screens. This shift catered to the evolving user demands for more intuitive navigation, reflecting Samsung's responsiveness to customer feedback. With alphabetical sorting, users saw a modern approach to organizing apps, whereas custom sorters had to rely on horizontal scrolling.
Come 2025, One UI 8.0 further transformed the user experience by integrating categorized search results within the app drawer. Searching for terms like "dog" allows users quick access to related apps, settings, and files, minimizing the need for scrolling through extensive lists.
In 2026, One UI 8.5's enhancements include a sleek, floating search bar and smoother animations, creating an engaging full-screen interaction.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
For instance, a company using Samsung devices can increase productivity by effectively utilizing the updated search functionalities. In One UI 8.0, team members can easily find project-related documents or app shortcuts by entering specific keywords.
Another example comes from early testers of One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. They noted how the improved drawer animations added ease and efficiency to daily operations, demonstrating how subtle design improvements can impact workflow positively.
Practical Tips for Leveraging One UI App Drawer
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Activate Vertical Scrolling: In One UI 7 and beyond, go to the app drawer, click on the three-dot menu, and select "Alphabetical order." Use the "Clean up pages" option for horizontal layouts.
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Maximize Search Features: In One UI 8.0, search categorized items by keywords. This covers apps, files, and settings, allowing instant access and reducing navigation time.
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Enhance Customization: With One UI 8.5, users can fine-tune their home screen elements, moving, resizing, or removing fixed features to suit personalized usage needs.
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Fallback Solutions: Before One UI 7, employ Good Lock's Home Up module for adjusting drawer layout. Now, those on supported devices like the S24/S25 series can enroll in betas for early access to features.
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Optimization Strategy: When choosing sorting methods, consider alphabetical for vertical scrolling to boost organization and ease of app discovery.
Integrating these strategies can significantly improve efficiency for business users handling extensive app ecosystems on their devices.
Internal and External Resources
Explore our related insights on how AI chatbots compare to human support and dive into why small businesses need AI marketing.
For deeper automation integrations, visit resources like n8n.io, zapier.com, and make.com. Leverage AI tools from anthropic.com, openai.com, and explore enterprise solutions at salesforce.com.
FAQ
How to change app drawer from vertical to horizontal?
To switch the app drawer from vertical to horizontal, you need to customize the sorting options. In One UI 7 and above, open the app drawer, tap the three-dot menu and choose "Custom order" to revert to horizontal layout. Keep in mind that this may leave empty spaces if not managed. A "Clean up pages" option helps tidy up these spaces effectively.
What is One UI app drawer?
The One UI app drawer is a feature in Samsung's smartphone UI that organizes installed apps into a single accessible location. It offers vertical scrolling and sophisticated search functionalities to help users navigate quickly through installed applications. As of recent updates, it includes categorized search results for improved efficiency.
What is app drawer settings?
App drawer settings allow you to customize how your apps are displayed and organized within the One UI app drawer. Options include sorting by alphabetical or custom order and choosing between vertical or horizontal scroll layouts. These settings are designed to enhance usability and meet individual preferences.
What is vertical app drawer Samsung?
A vertical app drawer in Samsung's One UI refers to the method of displaying apps in a scrolling list from top to bottom, as opposed to the traditional horizontal grids. This change aids in reducing thumb reach strain on tall screens and offers a more streamlined navigation experience.
What is One UI 7 app drawer horizontal scroll?
In One UI 7, users can opt for a horizontal scroll within the app drawer by selecting the custom order sorting option. This feature is useful for those who prefer traditional scrolling methods or wish to maintain a more grid-like app organization.