By Melvin Hipolito
Copyright futurefive
Samsung has announced the expansion of its One UI software platform to its home appliance lineup, creating a unified software experience across compatible smartphones, televisions and smart appliances.
Unified platform
This initiative will see select Samsung home appliances benefit from up to seven years of software updates, starting with products launched in 2024 and commencing updates in September. The move aligns the software across Samsung’s numerous device categories, integrating a consistent design language and enhancing functionality for users.
Jeong Seung Moon, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, explained the strategic motivation:
“By bringing One UI to smart appliances, we are transforming the way people interact with technology in their homes. This consistency ensures that the experience feels natural and familiar across all our devices.”
Cross-device experience
The One UI expansion brings Samsung’s applications and services, including Bixby, Gallery, and Samsung TV Plus, to a broader range of screens within the home. This cross-device approach is designed to allow seamless media consumption and interaction, regardless of the device being used. Users will have access to common interfaces such as Now Brief, which delivers tailored content like daily weather, family schedules, personalised recipes and operational insights into tasks such as remaining laundry time.
Device connectivity is also enhanced via SmartThings, Samsung’s integration platform which connects appliances and devices into a single ecosystem. SmartThings enables services such as Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care, accessible through the same interface as Samsung’s mobiles and televisions.
Extended software updates
Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung appliances will be eligible for up to seven years of software updates from launch. According to the company, this ensures ongoing value by expanding features and maintaining security long after purchase. Eligible models released in 2024 are due to begin receiving these updates from September 2025.
Security and AI features
Security upgrades include the launch of Knox Matrix, Samsung’s security solution based on private blockchain technology, across compatible Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators, washers, dryers and air conditioners. Knox Trust Chain will allow connected appliances in a home to monitor each other’s security status, while screen-equipped models such as the Bespoke AI Family Hub French Door Refrigerator will gain access to a security dashboard and features including encrypted credential sync and passkey support.
Feature enhancements also involve upgraded AI functionality. Select Family Hub appliances and refrigerators with 9-inch AI Home screens will use improved AI Vision Inside technology, which now recognises packaged foods in addition to an expanded variety of fresh foods. Bixby, Samsung’s AI voice assistant, is receiving an update to support Voice ID, enabling the recognition of different users’ voices for personalised experiences on shared devices. Bixby can also be quickly activated with a double tap on the screen.
Samsung is also deploying a refreshed interface design to last year’s appliances, extending intuitive navigation and regional customisation previously reserved for 2025 models to 2024 devices. The update affects refrigerators, washers and cooking ranges that feature Wi-Fi connectivity and compatible screens.
Vision of connected homes
By expanding One UI, Samsung aims to allow users to manage their environments more consistently and securely, regardless of which device they are using. The combination of ongoing software support and unified software standards across product categories supports an evolving ecosystem of connected devices inside the home.
