Samsung Galaxy phones get FIFA World Cup animations on lock screen
Samsung is updating its One UI Always-On Display and Now Bar with animated goal celebrations and red card alerts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These features, spotted in app updates, aim to provide real-time, visually engaging score updates for soccer fans directly on their Galaxy devices' lock screens.
Key points
- Samsung's One UI Always-On Display and Now Bar are receiving an update for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The update introduces new UI animations for goal celebrations and red card events within the Now Bar.
- These animations are designed to provide real-time score updates for soccer matches.
- The feature has been observed in One UI 8.5 and higher, with potential rollout to older devices.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Samsung is enhancing the lock screen experience for soccer fans with an upcoming update to its One UI software, specifically targeting the Always-On Display (AOD) and the Now Bar feature. The update prepares Galaxy smartphone users for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by integrating animated notifications for key match events.
Users can expect to see visually distinct animations for scored goals and red card incidents displayed directly on their lock screens. These animations are designed to offer immediate and engaging feedback on live game progress. While the exact appearance of these animations is still being detailed, they are confirmed to be part of the Now Bar's functionality, which aims to provide glanceable information for sports, weather, and third-party apps. The update has been noted on devices running One UI 8.5 and potentially newer versions, with a possibility of broader compatibility for older models.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is anticipated to be a major global sporting event. By introducing these dynamic score alerts, Samsung aims to keep fans more closely connected to the action as it unfolds, even when their device is locked.
Sources
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