The SAP Cloud ERP 2602 release (fka SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition) has been shipped on January 14, 2026.
With every release update, our goal is to make your interaction with the system more intuitive, efficient, and intelligent. The 2602 release is a significant step forward, focusing on consistency, AI-powered assistance, enhanced personalization, and on-the-go mobility. Let's dive into the highlights in the area of SAP User Experience!
The new shell bar is here to stay
Remember the redesigned shell bar we introduced as an opt-in feature back in 2508? Based on positive feedback and our drive for a unified experience, it is now activated by default in the 2602 release.
The new shell bar provides:
- An updated user menu: With a larger user image and more space between items, finding what you need is easier than ever. We've also moved “Settings” to the top and separated “Sign Out” for quicker access.
- Redesigned notifications: A simplified, more pleasing design with easy sorting (by date or importance) and simple grouping (Today, Yesterday, etc.) helps you stay on top of your tasks without the clutter.
Important note for a smooth transition: As this is now the default, we strongly recommend you check any test automation or RPA scripts you have, as they may need to be adapted to the new user menu structure. For this release only, you can temporarily opt-out via the “Activate New Features” switch (feature `/UI2/SHELL_BAR_TOGGLE`), but please plan to adapt your systems, as the opt-out option will not be available from the 2608 release onwards.
Direct app launch in the SAP Fiori launchpad
We've heard you! Many of our experienced users coming from the SAP GUI world missed the ability to quickly launch an application using its transaction code. I'm delighted to announce that you can now launch apps directly from the SAP Fiori launchpad search bar using the app ID or transaction code.
For power users, this restores a familiar and efficient navigation pattern, lowering the barrier for those transitioning to SAP Fiori, as they can combine new UX principles with known shortcuts.
Enhancements to My Home
My Home continues to evolve as your central, personalized starting point. In 2602, we're giving you more control and enhancing communication:
- Required reading for news: Administrators can now mark important news articles, such as new policies or critical process changes, as “required reading.” Users must acknowledge these articles, which helps ensure compliance and consistent knowledge across the organization.
- Greater layout control: You can now choose to hide the entire “News” or “Pages” sections on your My Home screen. This allows you to reduce clutter and tailor your homepage to display only the information and tools that are most relevant to your role, boosting your personal productivity.
An intelligent assistant for your daily tasks
Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the intelligent enterprise, and we're embedding it directly into your user experience.
The 2602 release distinguishes between base and premium AI features:
- Base features (free of charge): After signing the acceptance of SAP AI terms for base AI-assisted features in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, you gain access to features like AI-assisted enterprise search, easy filter, and smart summarization.
- Premium features (requires license): With the appropriate licenses (like SAP AI units and package Joule Premium for financal management), you can unlock advanced capabilities. In 2602, we are excited to announce the general availability (GA) of AI-assisted smart personalization of applications in My Home and AI-assisted error explanation.
Furthermore, we are continuing to beta test AI-assisted task automation, which allows users to create “smart helpers” to automate repetitive activities. This powerful tool keeps the user in the loop while dramatically improving efficiency. If you're interested in shaping the future of AI in our products, I encourage you to sign up for our beta testing program here: https://influence.sap.com/sap/ino/#campaign/4086
Fast with SAP Fiori
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new video series, “Fast with SAP Fiori”! The first three episodes are now live and ready to accelerate your SAP Fiori journey.
What’s coming:
- Complete 10-episode series covering essential SAP Fiori concepts
- Soon available on YouTube for easy access
- Multi-language support including English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian
Ready to dive in? Check out the first three episodes now, and stay tuned for the complete series launch!
Productivity on the go: SAP Fiori for mobile optimization
In today's flexible work environment, being productive on your smartphone is essential. That's why we've introduced SAP Fiori elements mobile phone optimization. This delivers a mobile-first experience by providing a compact, modern, and high-performance framework for key mobile scenarios. We've simplified navigation and reduced complexity by focusing on what's essential for users on the move, allowing you to get business done anywhere, anytime. Feel free to sign up for our beta testing program here: https://influence.sap.com/sap/ino/#campaign/4090
A single front door: Introducing SAP Start (SAP-managed)
Imagine a single, unified landing page for all your SAP Cloud ERP products. That is the vision for SAP Start, and with the 2602 release, we are introducing a new SAP-managed version.
This means you can activate it directly from SAP for Me with no additional implementation effort. In its initial release, SAP Start provides seamless, single sign-on access to SAP Cloud ERP, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur, and SAP Sales Cloud Version 2. This is just the beginning, and we are eager for your feedback through our Early Adopter Care program to shape its future.
Your voice matters: Get involved!
Many of the features in this release, including the highly-requested direct app launch, originated as suggestions on the SAP Customer Influence Portal (CIP.) This is proof that your feedback directly shapes the future of our products.
I encourage you to explore these new features, see how they fit your business needs, and continue to share your insights with us through the SAP Community and the Customer Influence portal.
The 2602 release truly elevates the SAP User Experience, and we can't wait to see how you leverage these innovations to run your business better.
📽️ Watch the replays of our SAP Cloud ERP 2602 Early Release Series!
From January 12-16, we hosted a series of 22 expert-led live sessions to highlight the exciting innovations shipped with the SAP Cloud ERP 2602 release. Missed the live sessions? We've got you covered! Take advantage of the entire series or pick and choose the sessions most relevant to you. You will find the recording and presentation for SAP User Experience as well as 21 other topics of interest. Don't miss this chance and watch them on demand–anywhere, anytime.
🔎 Find all our assets
We at Cloud ERP and SCM Product Success offer a service as versatile as our product itself. Check out the numerous offerings our team has created for you below:
