New Users Can Choose Between Buttons or Gestures Right at Startup — A Small Change with Big UX Impact
Navigation Now Comes First
Samsung is preparing to streamline the initial setup experience in One UI 8.5 by adding a Navigation Picker — giving users the ability to choose between buttons or swipe gestures from the moment they power on a new device.
- This feature has been spotted in early builds of One UI 8.5.
- Until now, Samsung defaulted to 3-button navigation, requiring a manual switch to gestures via display settings.
Buttons or Gestures? Choose Instantly
With One UI 8.5, users setting up their new Samsung phone will see a prompt to:
- Select navigation style:
- Three-button layout (Back, Home, Recents)
- Full-screen swipe gestures
- This new picker will appear as part of the out-of-box setup, making it more intuitive and reducing post-setup configuration.
📌 No new styles are being introduced — but the experience is being made more accessible and user-focused.
Why This Small Change Matters
Though simple, the addition of a navigation style picker during initial setup offers clear usability benefits:
- Saves time: No more digging through display settings to switch styles
- Improves accessibility: Lets users align with their muscle memory from the start
- Personalizes experience: Especially helpful for users switching from iOS or stock Android
It also reflects Samsung’s intention to prioritize gestures, which are now widely used across modern Android UIs.
One UI 8.5 Launch Timeline
This feature is expected to debut with One UI 8.5, which will likely ship pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.
- Reports from SammyGuru confirm the picker is not present in current One UI 8 builds, making this a true 8.5 addition.
- The change could also roll out to older models receiving the update, including the S24, S23, and A-series phones.
Final Thoughts
By embedding navigation preferences into the setup flow, Samsung is showing it values user control and convenience — even in the smallest of interface details. It’s not just about adding features; it’s about removing friction from the user journey.
