Samsung recently rolled out the One UI 8 Beta 3 update for its Galaxy S25 series, expanding the Beta Program to more regions, including India and Poland. While the update brought several improvements, it also removed a helpful feature — the Predictive Back Gesture (also known as Back Swipe Preview).
This gesture preview, which shows a glimpse of the previous screen when swiping from the edge, greatly enhances navigation by helping users anticipate where a back swipe will take them. Unfortunately, the feature was removed in the Beta 2 update (build ZYF3), leaving some users disappointed.
However, there’s promising news on the horizon. Samsung is now internally testing a new build, ZYF5, for the Galaxy S25 lineup. According to reliable tipster @Gerwin Van Giessen, the Predictive Back Gesture has been spotted in this build — hinting at its potential return in the upcoming One UI 8 Beta 3 release.
In the latest build, the feature has been relocated under the Labs section within Advanced features. Samsung typically uses this section to test experimental functionalities. The Back Swipe Preview toggle now appears just below the Dark Mode apps option. When enabled, it allows users to see a live preview of the screen they’ll return to while swiping back, making for a smoother and more intuitive navigation experience.
Now Located in the Labs Section of Advanced Features
Another interesting development is that the Predictive Back Gesture is now reportedly placed under the Labs section within the Advanced features menu. This is a common area where Samsung includes experimental or optional features for tech-savvy users to try out before they’re rolled out system-wide.
This gesture-based feature offers users a preview of the previous screen when swiping from the edge, making navigation more intuitive. In the latest Beta 2 build (ZYF3), however, this functionality was no longer available, sparking disappointment among testers.
According to the information shared, the Back Swipe Preview toggle now appears just below the option for Dark Mode apps. When enabled, it allows users to see a preview of the previous screen when they begin swiping from the edge — exactly how it functioned before its removal.
This minor but meaningful change could indicate that Samsung is testing out improved behavior or compatibility for the gesture, while also giving users the choice to enable or disable it based on their preference.
According to reliable source, the Predictive Back Gesture will now be available under the Labs section in Advanced features, giving users experimental access to the improved navigation tool. The feature previously worked only in Google apps, but Samsung may extend support to its own apps and third-party ones in future builds.
In addition to gesture enhancements, Beta 3 is expected to bring bug fixes, UI optimizations, smoother animations, and minor visual changes aimed at improving the overall software polish
While the Predictive Back Gesture was unexpectedly removed in the One UI 8 Beta 3 update for the Galaxy S25 series, its likely return in Beta 3 is welcome news. The reappearance of the feature in internal build ZYF5 suggests Samsung is listening to its users and fine-tuning the feature for better stability and usability.
What’s New in One UI 8 Beta 3?
As we await the official release of One UI 8 Beta 3, it will be interesting to see how Samsung continues to refine its software experience — especially for features that directly impact day-to-day user interactions.
At this point, the information remains unofficial, as Samsung has not yet confirmed the return of the Predictive Back Gesture in One UI 8 Beta 3. While internal testing and leaks suggest its possible comeback, nothing is certain until the company makes an official announcement. Users are advised to stay patient and keep an eye out for the next beta release. Until then, all reports should be considered speculative. As always, features spotted in test builds may or may not make it to the final version, so it’s best to wait for Samsung’s confirmation in the upcoming update
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