Samsung's newest phone software looks more like an iPhone

A writer at How-To Geek argues that Samsung's new phone software, One UI 9, looks and feels more like Apple's iPhone than ever. Tyler Dupont says the two are getting harder to tell apart, and he sees that as a loss for people shopping for a phone.

What changed

One UI 9 is the latest version of the software that runs Samsung phones. Its Quick Settings panel, the set of shortcuts you pull down from the top of the screen, gets rounder sliders, blur effects and new animations. The writer says this moves it closer to Apple's Control Center, the iPhone's version of that panel.

• By default, notifications come from a swipe in the middle, and Quick Settings from the far right.
• The writer says the Now Bar feels a lot like Apple's Dynamic Island.
• He says some changes can be undone, and some are real improvements.

He also notes that Apple borrows too. He points to the App Library, which resembles Android app drawers, and to newer home screen customization. His view is that the gap between Android and iOS is shrinking.

What is not clear

This is an opinion piece, so the complaints are his own. The article does not say when One UI 9 arrives or which Samsung phones will get it. It also does not say which of the new looks can be switched off.

Who it affects

Anyone choosing a next phone. If Samsung and Apple software feel alike, the brand name tells you less. Features and price may be the better way to decide.