Samsung’s innovative Now Bar feature is set to enhance user experience significantly with its recent expansion. Initially introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, the Now Bar serves as a convenient lock screen carousel, providing users with glanceable app cards that deliver essential information and controls without the need to unlock their devices. This functionality has now made its way to the cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip, thanks to the latest One UI 8 update.
Expanding App Support
As of June 2025, the Now Bar supported approximately 20 applications, including popular services from Samsung, Google, and third-party developers. However, Samsung has ambitious plans to increase this number to 35 by the end of 2025. This expansion will be facilitated by the new API introduced in One UI 8, which is based on Android 16. This API allows any application to create “Live Notifications,” paving the way for broader compatibility and functionality.
The current roster of applications compatible with the Now Bar includes:
- Samsung Apps:
- Now Brief
- Media Player
- Timer
- Stopwatch
- Interpreter
- Voice Recorder
- Notes
- During Exercise
- Current Mode
- Emergency Sharing
- SmartThings TV Remote Control
- Call
- Do Not Disturb
- Wallet (Tickets)
- Google Apps:
- Google Sports
- Google Maps
- Third-Party Apps:
- Uber
- Uber Eats
- Waymo
Although Samsung’s documentation lists 19 specific applications, it hints at the existence of a 20th app yet to be identified. As the company rolls out One UI 8, users can anticipate a surge in app support, especially as developers begin to leverage the new Android 16 API for their applications.
In summary, the Now Bar’s integration into the Galaxy Z Flip’s cover screen marks a significant step forward in Samsung’s commitment to enhancing user accessibility and convenience. With the promise of increased app support on the horizon, the future looks bright for Samsung’s innovative features.
