Samsung is testing a new setup feature for its devices, allowing users to choose between traditional three-button navigation and modern swipe gestures during the initial configuration, potentially aligning its user experience with other Android manufacturers.
Currently, Samsung phones default to the three-button navigation system during setup, requiring users to manually switch to swipe gestures in the settings menu afterward. The proposed change aims to simplify this process by presenting users with a choice screen during the initial device setup.
The discovery of this feature was made by “SammyGuru,” who found references to the new choice screen in a pre-release build of One UI 8. However, it is notably absent from the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, which come with One UI 8 pre-installed, suggesting that the feature will likely be introduced with a future software update, potentially One UI 8.5.
This development indicates a potential shift in Samsung’s approach to user interface defaults, as it has historically resisted certain changes, such as seamless updates, which it finally adopted last year. It is worth noting that Samsung is not expected to eliminate the three-button navigation system entirely; the classical method will remain available for users who prefer it.
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, rumored for release in early next year, which would be a logical point for Samsung to introduce this user-centric customization option.
