Samsung’s innovative Now Bar feature, introduced with One UI 7.0, is set to become even more powerful and versatile. The tech giant is expanding Now Bar’s capabilities by integrating support for third-party applications, promising users a more seamless and informative experience right from their lock screen.
What is the Now Bar?
The Now Bar is a dynamic information display that appears on the lock screen of compatible Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 7.0. It provides users with real-time, contextual information without the need to unlock their phone or open specific apps. The feature aims to streamline access to relevant data, saving time and improving overall user experience.
Expanding Functionality with Third-Party Apps
Samsung is actively working to broaden the Now Bar’s utility by partnering with various third-party app developers. This expansion will allow the Now Bar to display information from a wider range of services, making it an even more valuable tool for users.
New Integrations on the Horizon
Kakao T Integration:
Kakao T, a popular ride-hailing service in South Korea, is slated to become one of the first third-party apps to integrate with the Now Bar. This integration will bring several useful features to users:
- Real-time updates on estimated pickup times
- Trip duration estimates
- Progress updates on your current ride
Naver Sports:
Sports enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Naver Sports is also joining the Now Bar ecosystem. This integration will allow users to:
- View live scores for various sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball
- Get updates on their favorite teams through Naver’s “My Team” feature
Current Now Bar Capabilities
The Now Bar already supports 11 services, including both Google and Samsung’s own offerings. Some existing third-party integrations in South Korea include:
- Baedal Minjok: South Korea’s largest food delivery service
- Kakao Navi: A popular navigation app
- Naver Maps: Another widely-used mapping and navigation service
Cross-App Actions: Enhancing Now Bar’s Power
One of the key features enabling these expanded integrations is Cross-App Actions. This technology, introduced with the Galaxy S25, allows for secure data transfer between applications through Samsung’s Bixby assistant. Cross-App Actions play a crucial role in making Now Bar’s third-party integrations possible and effective.
The Future of Now Bar
Samsung has made it clear that this is just the beginning for Now Bar’s third-party integrations. The company plans to continue partnering with app developers to bring even more services and information types to the feature. This ongoing expansion aims to make the Now Bar an indispensable tool for Galaxy users, providing them with the most relevant information at a glance.
Availability and Device Compatibility
While the Now Bar is currently available on devices running One UI 7.0, it’s important to note that some integrations may be region-specific. As Samsung continues to roll out updates and expand partnerships, users can expect to see more third-party app support becoming available on their devices.
The Now Bar’s evolution represents Samsung’s commitment to creating a more intuitive and personalized mobile experience. By bringing third-party app information directly to the lock screen, Samsung is helping users stay informed and connected without the need to constantly unlock their devices and switch between apps.