New update is awful

[Jules2025]

ear Samsung Support, 

I’m writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with the recent update on my Galaxy S23 Ultra (One UI 6.1). As someone who lives with ADHD, I rely heavily on visual consistency, repetition, and muscle memory. The layout and behavior of my device are not just preferences — they are critical tools that help me function efficiently. 

This update has completely disrupted that. 

Most notably, the app drawer search bar has been moved from the top to the bottom — with no option to change it back. This change might seem small to some, but for me, it’s a major usability issue. I now have to re-learn how to navigate my own phone, and I feel completely disoriented and angry that such a core function was altered without warning or the ability to opt out. 

There is no rollback option, no toggle, and no way to preserve the layout I had carefully built. I’ve spent the last hour trying to fix something that was never broken — and I still can’t get it back to the way it was. 

To make matters worse, these changes are making One UI feel more and more like iOS — and that’s not a compliment. I specifically chose Samsung over Apple because I value customization, control, and a distinct Android experience. With each update, you’re stripping that away and replacing it with a locked-down, rigid, and increasingly Apple-like interface that goes directly against why many of us choose Galaxy devices in the first place. 

This new update has genuinely driven me up the wall. I’ve felt the urge to throw my phone out the window more than once today — that’s how upsetting this has been. 

I’m asking, sincerely, for you to: 

1. Provide an option to move the app drawer search bar back to the top. 

2. Allow users more control over UI changes like this — or at the very least, provide a way to revert or delay updates that make major layout changes. 

3. Remember that people choose Samsung because it isn’t iOS. Please stop moving in that direction. 

I’ve been a loyal Samsung customer for years, but if this trend continues, I’ll seriously reconsider staying in your ecosystem. 

Sincerely, 

Frustrated 😡

[RedDogRabbit]

I don't know if this will help, or just further complicate things for you? 

Nova Launcher is quite a bit more customizable than One UI Home, and the search bar in the App Drawer is up top or at the bottom, whichever is your preference..and there's a lot of other settings you can select to suit your needs.

 

Initially, you might not be comfortable with the difference, but the user's preferences are designed to be what works best for you.  

[Jules2025]

What is nova launcher? 🙄

[RobertZ]

Very good replacement for your home app. Allows you to configure your home screen and app drawer. It's pretty simple to use and configure, but if change is not what you want them maybe it isn't right for you. Personally, I prefer it much more over Samsung's home screen and app drawer.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher

Samsung doesn't with Fridays or weekend so you won't get any kind of response from them until Monday (which will probably be of zero use).

[Jules2025]

Thanks. I guess the app wouldn't hurt to try... if I don't like it, I can always delete it right?

[RedDogRabbit]

Yes, you would just uninstall it from the Play Store.

 

[RobertZ]

You can switch between Nova Launcher and One UI home by changing the default home app in Settings->Apps->Choose default Apps->Home app.

[me12345678]

I can't stand the search now. What used to be easy is now a nightmare. My *** phone doesn't like it and im hitting the search magnifying glass repeatedly until it finally will work. I'm ready to switch to a different tracker :(