Samsung expands Now Bar third-party app support in One UI 9

Samsung is expanding the capabilities of its Now Bar feature in the upcoming One UI 9 update. The move aims to bring more third-party application data into the Galaxy-exclusive interface by deepening its integration with Google's Android Live Updates API.

According to reports from SamMobile, the expansion allows the Now Bar to support additional types of third-party applications. By aligning with the Android Live Updates framework—specifically improvements tied to Android 17—any app that supports the native Android layout can automatically appear within the Now Bar on compatible Galaxy devices. This removes the need for developers to write custom, Samsung-specific code to surface real-time information on the device.

Evolution of the Now Bar

The Now Bar first debuted in One UI 7.0 as a dedicated space to display ongoing activities, such as timers or media playback, prominently on the screen. Samsung has since treated the feature as an iterative project, moving it closer to Android's native system architecture to improve compatibility. In One UI 8.0, the company integrated the bar with Android 16's Live Updates, which enabled support for high-utility services such as Uber.

Reducing Integration Friction

This shift toward a standardized API is a strategic move to reduce Samsung's reliance on manual, one-by-one partnerships with app developers. Previously, integrating a third-party service into a proprietary UI element often required bespoke coordination between the hardware manufacturer and the software developer. By leveraging the Android Live Updates API, Samsung ensures the Now Bar remains a dynamic hub for real-time information without the bottleneck of individual manual integrations.

Industry Implications

For the broader ecosystem, this represents a trend toward tighter synergy between Samsung's One UI and Google's base Android layers. As Samsung adopts more native Android APIs for its exclusive features, the barrier for third-party developers to support Galaxy-specific enhancements drops. This likely means a faster rollout of live-activity features across the Android landscape, as developers only need to target the Google API to gain visibility on Samsung's high-end hardware.

What to Watch

While the general expansion of support is confirmed, the specific categories of new app types supported in One UI 9 have not been detailed by Samsung. Users will need to wait for the official One UI 9 rollout to see which specific services—beyond ride-sharing and media—gain native Now Bar integration. The timeline suggests this rollout will coincide with the broader adoption of Android 17.