Android 14
Samsung Galaxy users will gladly accept Android 14 upgrade
Android is the world’s most popular and widely used mobile operating system. Google is ready to add another member Android 14 to its already huge family this year and the development has already started in February. Samsung Galaxy users will gladly accept the Android 14 upgrade, why they don’t?
As per the recent Android distribution stats, Android 13 OS reached over 12 percent globally in eight months after release. Chinese phone makers are quite slow in Android 13’s distribution, when it comes to non-flagships and older models, while Samsung completed the task before 2023 began.
This year, Samsung Galaxy users will upgrade their phones/tablets to the new Android 14 OS. As the new version has just reached the Beta testing stage, consumers have to wait for at least four months to see the first preview of Samsung’s version of Android 14.
If history is any indication, Samsung fans will let the Galaxy-maker nourish the Android 14 for products. With participation in Beta testing, they will share feedback so One UI can gain stability as well as demand new features so the developers can consider bringing them.
Samsung Android 14 Upgrade
As Google has started to develop Android 14, Samsung is currently focussing to craft the next-generation foldable phones. These new phones not only bring futuristic innovations but also run the new One UI 5.1.1 skin with further optimization w/ Android 13.
At its annual event (I/O), the search engine giant will disclose the progress of Android 14’s development and possibly the deployment roadmap. At the same stage, there could be the announcement of the Android 14 Developer Preview for select non-Samsung/non-Galaxy smartphones.
Samsung ships the best Android smartphone in the industry and for sure, it’s required to drop the most stable and bug-free software to consumers. Hence, the company won’t do anything in hurry, and as far as the roadmap is concerned, we’re sure, all supported Galaxies will run Android 14 before 2023 ends.
Samsung Android 14 Beta
As the Android 14 Public Beta has begun, Samsung won’t directly work with Google in development and adaptation. Every year, the company waits until the new Android version reaches the platform stability milestone. This year, things may not change, however, we would see boosted distribution.
Samsung’s Android 14 Beta update will be available for a number of Galaxy models including flagships and mid-range. Since there’s no new Galaxy Note with compatibility for Android 14, the Beta upgrade will only make its way to S, Z and select A/M models.
As Google has just started the Android 14’s Beta program, it will take time to better optimize it for smartphone and vanish severe bugs. Until then, Samsung will introduce another new One UI iteration based on the latest Stable Android 13 operating system.
Hundreds of compatible models
For Samsung’s Android 14 Beta firmware, the Galaxy S23 series is the first in line, as per the previous rollouts. Additionally, the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip models will also be invited for the Beta testing program.
So far, the South Korean tech giant availed its One UI Beta program in limited markets. Galaxy consumers in China, India, Germany, Poland, South Korea, the UK and the US are usually invited for testing and feedback. It would be interesting if Samsung expands Beta to more European markets.
Nowadays, the Galaxy A and Galaxy M series phones are being eligible for 4 OS plus 5 years of security updates support. It helps the users keep a single phone longer with the latest mobile experience and industry-grade security, thanks to longer software support.
One UI 6.0
Samsung’s latest One UI version – One UI 5.1 is based on Android 13 OS. It’s a successor to the original One UI 5.0, which was also built on the 13th major version of Google’s mobile operating system. Accordingly, the next Android OS will bring a new iteration of One UI.
That said, the One UI 6.0 will probably be the next version of Samsung’s custom Android skin. It will start rolling out to Galaxy devices as soon as the testing concludes on eligible models. Like last year, we are guessing that Samsung’s Android 14 upgrade will go live later this year.
One UI 6.0 will bring more bells and whistles than just Pixel’s Android 14 OS. Samsung is known for innovation and the next One UI version would be a big hit for the company. As consumers prefer software nowadays, One UI unquestionably attracts them with neat and user-friendly UX.
Features we may see in Samsung’s Android 14
As showcased by Google, Android 14 focuses on minor yet noticeable user interface tweaks. There’s a new Dynamic Back Arrow, graphics upgrades (for devs), data access transparency, modem/driver updates, and enhanced system optimization among others.
Until the official version, the US tech giant will continue to test and add new features to the Android 14 OS. Beyond that, it maintains quarterly feature drops so Android stays updated with useful features and regular enhancements for a better user experience.
1. Satellite Connectivity
Since Apple and Huawei already debuted Satellite Connectivity on their flagship phones, Samsung should also consider bringing the feature as early as it can. Google’s senior VP for Android earlier Tweeted that support for such connectivity in Android 14 would be a reality.
2. Predictive Back Gestures
Android 14 introduces a prominent back arrow that matches your wallpaper or theme for clearer gesture navigation. One UI 6.0 should not leave cloning this feature for Galaxy consumers along with predictive back gestures, which afford you a glimpse of the screen that a swipe-back gesture will take you to.
3. Improved Share Options
Android 14 reportedly allows apps to add custom actions to system sharesheets and more app data is being used to determine the ranking of users’ potential share targets. As Google is further improving Android’s share menu, such fruitful things can’t be skipped in the One UI.
4. Restricting Photo and Video Access
Android apps usually want your permission to have access to all photos and videos stored on the smartphone. To make it further transparent, Android 14 unlocks the possibility to select the specific photos and videos it is allowed to access. Galaxy users may surely get this change with the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update.
See you at SDC23!
Samsung Galaxy S23 series came pre-installed with Android 13-based One UI 5.1 software. After getting the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update last year, One UI 6.1 will soon be rolled out to these Samsung flagships, and if you own a Galaxy S23 series model, should bookmark this tracker for the latest insights.
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One UI 6.1, which is also based on Android 14 was first unveiled on January 17, 2024, while Samsung is already testing the build internally. One UI 6.0 brought a major user interface overhaul, however, the next incremental upgrade aims to install AI features.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Android 14 Update Tracker
Note: We will add or remove entries to provide useful insights only.
One UI 6.1 (Android 14) News:
March 16
A new One UI 6.1 test build for the Galaxy S23 series with the suffix CXBC has been spotted. This build differs from the previous testing builds because it ends with an alphabet letter instead of a digit. Read more here…
March 8
The One UI 6.1 update for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series will include a March 2024 security patch. It indicates that the company will release this update update anytime in March for Galaxy S23 models in Korea. Read more here…
February 27
A new One UI 6.1 build suggests that the testing is moving forward for the Galaxy S23 series. The firmware version is upgraded to S91xBXXU3CXBC from CXB9.
February 21
Samsung announces the global expansion of mobile AI by enabling users to experience Galaxy AI on previous devices. One UI 6.1 update will be rolled out for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series from the end of March.
February 17
One UI 6.1 testing is underway for the Galaxy S23 series with firmware version S918BXXU3CXB5, which is upgraded from CXB4. The testing is going on in India and Europe, suggesting that the update is close to being released.
February 11
Samsung Galaxy S23 series starts getting the February 2024 security update in the US. For the S23 series, the One UI 6.1 comes a step closer, following the Feb patch release.
February 6
One UI 6.1 testing is underway for the Galaxy S23 series with firmware versions mentioned below.
- India, the Middle East, and Europe – S91xBXXU3CXB1
- Korea – S91xNKSU2CXB1
February 4
Samsung Galaxy S23 series is said to receive One UI 6.1 update after the February 2024 security patch deployment.
In case you have any additional information about the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, do share it with us through social media! Here are our social handles → Google News | Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp
One UI 6.0 Updates –
November 10
Samsung finally rolled out Stable One UI 6.0 update to Galaxy S23 series – carrier-locked and unlocked models in the US.
October 30
Samsung started rolling out the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to the Galaxy S23 series in several markets including Europe and Asia.
August 10
Samsung started Android 14 Beta for Galaxy S23 series in early August. The Beta program will be available in seven countries like last year, meanwhile, Beta 1 is available in just three markets including the US, Germany, and South Korea.
Google has kicked off Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel devices, which offers significant updates and fixes that enhance device performance and user experience. This update is rolling out for Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 5a.
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 update is part of Google’s Quarterly Platform Releases. It brings more substantial changes than the usual monthly patches, including UI improvements and new features that don’t require waiting for a full version release.
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The update carries the March 2024 security patch to improve system security. In addition, it addresses system stability, performance, and camera functionality, ensuring a smoother operation.
WHAT’S NEW
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device to crash or restart unexpectedly.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device to crash or restart unexpectedly while updating apps after the device was flashed.
- Fixed issues that caused a device to display a blank, black screen after booting from flash.
- Fixed an issue that caused a device to crash and display a blank, black screen after switching to a secondary user.
- Fixed issues when always-on display mode was enabled that interfered with the “Double tap to wake” gesture and prevented the device from unlocking if the user tried to use their fingerprint to unlock the device.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused battery information to not display correctly in the system settings, status bar, and on the lock screen.
- Fixed issues that prevented device-to-device transfers and backup and restore from working.
- Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability, performance, and camera.
However, users have encountered issues sideloading the update on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro and Fold, with phones freezing on the Google logo post-reboot.
Google has released the third and likely final beta update of Android 14 QPR2 for its Pixel devices. The update brings bug fixes, stability improvements, and security patch for the beta testers.
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 is rolling out to Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold as well as the Android Emulator. Users can join the Android Beta Program to get the latest OTA update, which can be verified through version AP11.231215.007.
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The update includes the January 2024 security patch and fixes for various issues reported by the beta testers. Google has not confirmed the release date for the stable version of QPR2, but it is expected to be sometime in March.
What’s New
Developer- and user-reported issues
- Fixed an issue where SPIR-V sequences of OpShiftLeft followed by OpShiftRight didn’t produce the expected results for ARM Vulkan driver versions 43.0 and 44.0.
- Fixed issues that sometimes caused Bluetooth connections to be interrupted for some devices.
- Fixed issues that sometimes caused a device to crash or become unresponsive after restarting.
- Fixed issues that in some rare cases caused devices to reboot while in idle mode.
- Fixed an issue that caused live wallpapers to stop animating.
- Fixed an issue that prevented Google Assistant from activating in some cases.
Other resolved issues
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused multi-finger gestures to stop working.
- Fixed an issue where the device’s screen didn’t initially turn on when the screen was double-tapped or the power button was pressed.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused higher than usual CPU usage during video playback.
- Fixed a system issue that sometimes caused poor audio quality or higher power consumption when making calls.
- Fixed an issue where the keyboard was always shown even if the “Swipe up to start search” setting was disabled in system settings.
- Fixed an issue where sometimes when a user unlocked the device using their fingerprint, there was no haptic feedback.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Fold devices where sometimes after a user unlocked the device while it was folded, the inner display didn’t turn on after unfolding the device.
- Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability, performance, connectivity, camera, and accessibility.