Samsung, a prominent innovator in the mobile sector, is reportedly testing a new setup feature that would allow users to choose between traditional three-button navigation and modern swipe gestures on new devices. This development could bring Samsung’s user experience more in line with other Android manufacturers and Google’s recommendations, addressing a long-standing preference for the three-button system as the default.
Currently, when setting up a new Samsung phone, the three-button navigation system is selected by default. Users wishing to switch to swipe gestures must manually navigate to the settings menu after the initial setup. The proposed change aims to streamline this process by offering a choice screen during the device’s initial configuration.
The discovery was made by “SammyGuru,” who identified references to this new choice screen within a pre-release build of One UI 8. However, this feature is notably absent from the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, which come with One UI 8 pre-installed. This absence suggests that the feature is likely to be introduced with a future software update, potentially One UI 8.5.
While Samsung has historically resisted certain changes, such as seamless updates—which it finally adopted last year—this move indicates a potential shift in its approach to user interface defaults. It’s important to note that Samsung is not expected to eliminate the three-button navigation system entirely. The classical method will remain available for users who prefer it, ensuring backward compatibility and user choice.
The exact timeline for the rollout of this feature remains unconfirmed. However, speculation suggests that One UI 8.5 could debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series, which is rumored for release in early next year. This significant software update would be a logical point for Samsung to introduce such a user-centric customization option.
