One UI 9 Could Finally Make the Now Bar Feel Truly Useful

Samsung’s Now Bar was one of the biggest additions in One UI 7. However, many users quickly realized the same problem: it feels a bit limited. Most of the functionality only works with Samsung’s first-party apps. It also works with some Google apps and services, like Google Maps, Google Finance, Sports from Google, and recently Google Wallet. Consequently, this made the feature feel more like a demo than something you would actually rely on daily.

With One UI 8.0, Samsung integrated the Now Bar with Android 16’s Live Updates feature. However, not many apps have implemented the feature yet. But that could finally change with One UI 9.

Samsung is slowly opening the Now Bar ecosystem, thanks to Google

At Google I/O 2026, Google introduced broader Android Live Updates support with the new Metric Style, designed for apps that constantly update live data. This allows apps to show three pieces of real-time information directly on the lock screen and status area. For example, the ideal apps that should benefit from this new Metric Style live notifications should be fitness apps. Additionally, ride-sharing or food delivery apps could also benefit.

Now, Samsung seems ready to build on top of that foundation with One UI 9. As a result, they may turn the Now Bar into something much closer to a full Live Activities-style experience. This would include broader third-party app integration. 

One UI 8.0 has already started laying the groundwork, gaining support for Do Not Disturb and Ongoing Calls. Additionally, Samsung confirmed broader third-party app integrations during Galaxy Unpacked last year. This was alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 launch.

The real challenge is app developer support

Of course, support means nothing if developers ignore it. That’s the biggest problem both Samsung and Google need to solve. Because the success of features like Apple’s Dynamic Island and Live activities on iOS depends entirely on app support.

If major apps like Uber, Uber Eats, Bolt, airline apps, and many more integrate properly, the Now Bar could become one of One UI’s best features. And honestly, the lock screen itself is slowly becoming more important again across Android devices.

This is exactly what the Now Bar needed from the beginning. The original feature looked great visually, but in real-world use, it often felt too limited because most apps simply didn’t work with it. 

If Samsung integrates Google’s new feature from Android 17 and opens the system for third-party developers in One UI 9, the Now Bar could finally become one of the most useful parts of One UI instead of just another lock screen gimmick.