For more than a decade, SAP Fiori has been the face of SAP: role-based apps in a launchpad, replacing classic transaction screens. With Joule Work, SAP adds a new, conversational layer on top. Many customers are asking the same question: what happens to our Fiori apps?
Joule Work: an engagement layer, not a replacement
Joule Work lets people express what they want to accomplish in natural language. Joule then surfaces the relevant insights, automates routine steps and coordinates agents across systems, in one dynamic workspace. SAP positions it explicitly as an engagement layer that coexists with predefined application UIs: existing Fiori apps, screens and custom extensions keep working.
In practice, users will move between both modes. Joule for "get this done" and for questions across systems; Fiori apps for detailed, structured work such as maintaining master data, analysing a list or processing a complex document.
What is already in place
- Joule in the Fiori launchpad. Joule appears in the launchpad header, so users can ask questions and trigger actions without leaving their usual entry point. It is available in S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition on desktop and through SAP Mobile Start.
- Horizon. SAP keeps extending its newer Horizon visual theme to more products, giving a more modern and consistent look across the portfolio.
- One design system. SAP consolidated its guidelines for Fiori for web, iOS and Android into a single SAP Design System portal.
- Mobile. The Fiori for iOS and Android design systems and the Joule mobile client received a series of updates in the first half of 2026.
What changes for developers
The biggest shift for development teams is AI-assisted building. SAP now provides MCP servers for freestyle SAPUI5 and for SAP Fiori elements, which give AI coding assistants project-aware knowledge of UI5 and Fiori best practices. Combined with the new SAP Fiori development portal, this makes it faster to build apps that follow the guidelines from the start.
Three practical steps
- Review your launchpad. Clean up unused tiles and roles. A focused launchpad is also a better starting point for Joule.
- Prefer Fiori elements over freestyle for new transactional apps; reserve freestyle UI5 for genuinely unique experiences.
- Identify "ask and act" scenarios, such as status questions or simple approvals, where a conversational flow can save your users real time.