With the launch of Android 16, the announcement of iOS 26, and Samsung’s One UI 7 gradually making its way to users this spring, we have a fresh set of operating systems from the tech giants.
These updates provide an exciting preview of what’s to come in 2025, although some changes seem incremental rather than revolutionary.
Although iOS 26 boasts the stunning Liquid Glass redesign, it’s a more polished and cohesive visual overhaul, aiming to create a more fluid, glass-like interface across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even visionOS. Meanwhile, Google is introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language with Android 16. The new design promises a cleaner, more dynamic interface, but users won’t fully experience it until the QPR1 release slated for late 2025. That said, the beta version provides an early glimpse of what’s in store. Samsung’s One UI 7, although unlikely to bring any groundbreaking changes, adds more refinement to the colorful, user-friendly interface Samsung users are accustomed to. Its visual identity remains largely consistent, though improvements in features and customization options are notable.
The lock screens of iOS 26, One UI 7, and Android 16 reflect each brand’s approach to personalization. iOS 26 introduces a large clock face alongside the new Liquid Glass and parallax wallpaper effects, elevating its previous iterations. One UI 7 and Android 16, on the other hand, allow users to tweak clock faces and wallpapers, offering a wide range of customization options. The clean design and minimalistic approach of iOS 26’s new stock icons set it apart from the competition. This “Clean” look gives users a distraction-free experience, although Android users can achieve a similar look with custom launchers and icon packs.
When it comes to quick toggles and control centers, Apple’s Liquid Glass style is one of the highlights of iOS 26. However, the legibility of some toggles may need refinement. In contrast, Android 16 and One UI 7 provide more intuitive control centers that adapt well to color schemes and offer clear visibility. The settings pages across all three platforms remain relatively similar, though iOS 26 sees a more compact design with a restructured search bar, while Android 16 and One UI 7 stick to familiar layouts.
Both iOS 26 and One UI 7 enhance their respective photo galleries with a simplified approach. iOS 26 returns to its roots with a layout more reminiscent of previous iOS versions, providing quick access to both photos and collections. Android 16, on the other hand, sticks with the familiar Google Photos design. In terms of camera apps, iOS 26 adopts a more minimalist interface, drawing inspiration from both Android 16 and One UI 7’s previous designs.
Siri remains largely unchanged in iOS 26. Although it has access to tools like ChatGPT, it still struggles with tasks beyond basic functions like setting alarms and reminders. On the other hand, Samsung’s AI assistant, Gemini, offers far more advanced functionality with deep integration into Android. It excels in reasoning and interaction, making it a powerful tool for users.
Lastly, browsing on these platforms reveals interesting developments. Safari, with its clean and minimal look, offers a streamlined browsing experience, although some features are buried in menus. In comparison, Samsung Internet and Google Chrome maintain more traditional yet reliable user interfaces, though neither stands out visually.