Samsung’s new approach to One UI updates hinges on Android’s early release schedule – 9to5Google
We’re learning that Samsung’s sudden launch of One UI 8 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might be the new normal, according to a new leak. Samsung is reportedly looking to change how it debuts its latest software, and it looks like Galaxy S devices won’t be key.
When the Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung announced that the two new devices would launch with One UI 8. Why that was odd was because One UI 8 hadn’t been released yet, only open to users in the beta program.
Normally, new OS updates are debuted on Samsung’s Galaxy S devices, such as the Galaxy S25 series debuting One UI 7. Samsung’s rollout of a brand-new One UI version with a foldable was a surprise, and not an unwelcome one, considering the setbacks experienced with One UI 7’s scheduling.
According to leaked information from @UniverseIce on Twitter/X, Samsung has decided that it’s going to continue with this new approach, opting to launch new One UI versions on the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series when they are announced and launched. This is to align with Google’s Android launches better, as One UI is heavily built on Android and the improvements are made from version to version.
So where does that leave the Galaxy S series? Will nothing launch with the Galaxy S26 lineup?
That same leak notes that Samsung will be debuting UI and UX design changes seen halfway through a software version, notably left for versions One UI X.5 and so on. Those versions will reportedly be “more substantial” than the fresh new versions seen on foldables, as Samsung implements design changes throughout further updates.
Let me explain the future One UI update plan for you:
For each generation of Z Fold:
It will receive major One UI version updates aligned with Google's Android releases. For example, One UI 8 will be based on Android 16, and One UI 9 will sync with Android 17.
For each…
This essentially means Samsung’s Galaxy S series will see significant software changes with updated versions of One UI 8 being showcased as they launch. They might not debut the first version of Samsung’s new software, but they should launch with the most exciting versions the company has to offer.
This schedule seems to really hinge on Google, and without a scheduled already set for Android’s releases, Samsung may not have, allegedly, implemented this new rule.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:
Breaking news for Android. Get the latest on app…
