Samsung has a well-established history with Android updates, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Here’s a breakdown.
In the past, Samsung devices received updates slowly and inconsistently. This frustrated users, especially those who craved the latest features and security patches.
In 2021, Samsung made a significant commitment to improve its update policy. They announced offering four generations of major Android updates and five years of security patches for select Galaxy devices (starting with the S21 series). This brought them closer to Google’s Pixel update strategy and was a big win for users.
One UI (Samsung’s Custom Android Skin): On top of the base Android version, Samsung applies their custom user interface called One UI. This adds features and tweaks the overall look and feel. With each new major Android version, Samsung typically releases a corresponding update to One UI.
One UI 7 and Android 15
Following the established pattern, One UI 7 is expected to be Samsung’s custom interface built upon the upcoming Android 15 operating system. It will likely introduce new features and design changes specific to Samsung devices, while leveraging the functionalities and improvements of Android 15.
Current Status: Android 15 is still under development in beta testing. While there’s no official release date for One UI 7, it’s safe to assume it will launch sometime after the official release of Android 15. Samsung typically prioritizes their latest flagship devices for these updates, with older models receiving them later.
Google’s Pixel phones got the first Developer Preview of Android 15 in April 2024. Until the I/O 2024 event, the new operating system was only available on Pixel devices. Samsung plans to start its Android 15 Beta Program, called One UI 7, for Galaxy devices in August 2024.
One UI 6.1 is the newest Galaxy skin based on Android 14. One UI 7, based on Android 15, will come to many Samsung devices later this year. Even though it’s early in 2024, we already know that Galaxy devices will get Android 15.
Google released Android 15 Developer Preview 2 in late March, and the Public Beta started in April 2024. After the I/O 2024 event, Android vendors like Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus also began their Public Beta programs for their flagship phones. However, Samsung does not have to follow this schedule.
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The Galaxy S24 series will be the first to get the One UI 7 Beta in August this year. After that, Samsung will expand the Beta program to include some older models, such as the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 5.
List of Galaxy S Devices that will Receive the One UI 7 Based on Android 15
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
List of Galaxy Z Devices that will Receive One UI 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
Galaxy Tab Devices that will Receive Android 15 One UI 7
- Galaxy Tab A9 / A9+
- Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro
- Galaxy Tab S8 / S8+ / Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9 / S9+ / S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE / S9 FE+
Galaxy A, M and F Devices that will Receive the One UI 7 Android 15
- Galaxy A05s / A15 / A25
- Galaxy A14 / A24 / A34 / A54
- Galaxy A33 / A53 / A73
- Galaxy M14 / F14
- Galaxy M34 / M54 / F54
Conclusion
If your Galaxy device isn’t on the list above, don’t worry. We’ll update the list as the year goes on based on device eligibility. Remember, this list is based on previous rollouts, software guarantees, and our experience. The official list of eligible devices will be released when the stable One UI 7 rollout begins around October 2024.
The Future: Samsung’s commitment to extended updates is a positive step. With One UI 7 built on Android 15, users can expect a feature-rich experience with the latest security patches and optimizations. This should help Samsung devices stay competitive in the market.