Samsung Bixby key remapping rolling out to Galaxy S8, S9, Note 8, Note 9?

Samsung is now rolling out Bixby key remapping support to some pre-existing flagship phones, according to Sam Mobile. The website reported earlier today that phones including the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, S9, S9 Plus, Note 8, and Note 9 can now customize the maligned button.

The functionality is said to have arrived via a Bixby app update. In its settings, you should now be able to visit Advanced features > Bixby key to assign a Bixby action yourself. Apparently, you can either double or single tap on the Bixby key to launch an app or one of Samsung’s quick commands.

Editor's Pick

First Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus update adds Bixby button remapping, Instagram Mode

The Galaxy S10 isn't out yet, but Samsung is already rolling out an update for the Galaxy S10 Plus with some significant improvements and new features. The most notable part of the update, which was first …

This functionality does come with a slight catch, however, in that you can’t remap both single and double presses, only one or the other. This means the other action will still launch Bixby Home as normal, and a long press still launches Bixby Voice. Samsung hasn’t relinquished complete control of the Bixby key, but it’s at least a step in the right direction for fans who’ve been crying out for the customization.

Samsung had previously said this feature would roll out to its flagship phones that were due to receive or had received Android Pie (all of those listed above).

We’ve reached out to Samsung for more details on the matter and will update this page should we receive a response. In the meantime, if you have one of the aforementioned phones, try updating your Bixby app to see if you now have the functionality now. Let us know in the comments if you do!