Samsung is making a subtle but user-friendly change in its upcoming One UI 8.5. For years, Galaxy phones have defaulted to the classic three-button navigation system when setting up a new device—Back, Home, and Recents. In contrast, Google’s Pixel devices ship with gesture navigation enabled by default. While both systems are available on either platform, users have always had to dig into the settings menu post-setup to switch between them.
Now, Samsung is reportedly changing that. According to a discovery made in a beta version of One UI 8, users will be presented with a choice between gesture navigation and the three-button system during the initial setup process. This feature is currently seen on the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, both of which run One UI 8.
This change suggests that Samsung has noticed many users opting for gesture navigation after setup. If the majority preferred the three-button layout, which is the default, there would be little reason to offer a choice during setup. By proactively asking, Samsung is acknowledging that gesture navigation might now be the preferred option for many.
The decision to offer this prompt could be based on usage analytics or feedback gathered over time. Google has been offering a similar setup option for its Pixel phones, accessible under Settings > Display & touch > Navigation mode. Samsung users can still manually switch by heading to Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Swipe gestures.
Along with the prompt, animated instructions will likely help users understand how to use gesture navigation, making the transition easier for those unfamiliar with it. For those who try gestures but later prefer the old method, switching back will remain simple.
If this new setup feature is well-received in the beta phase, Samsung might include it in the stable release of One UI 8.5. That version is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup in early 2026.
