Samsung has released One UI 7.0 software for the Galaxy S21 series and completed the first-ever four generations of OS upgrade promise for a flagship device.

A week ago, the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra grabbed this software via OTA update in limited countries. As usual, it later became available to the majority of global users. This new upgrade adds significant improvements to the user interface and features, and animations are smoother than ever. These new additions provide a whole new look to the S21 lineup.

This is not only the latest but the last firmware version of the device, as it completes four years of major OS upgrades. Initially, Samsung brought the S21 series with a three-year OS upgrade cycle. In the following year, the Korean tech company tagged these devices with four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades.

The focus here was to extend the S21’s software cycle and sustain its user experience in a long term. The Samsung Galaxy S22 series, including S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra, became the first to inducted into the four generations of OS upgrade campaign alongside S21, S21+, S21 Ultra and S21 FE.

Launched in 2021, the S21 series unveiled with One UI 3.1 (Android 11) and upgraded to One UI 4.x (Android 12), One UI 5.x (Android 13), One UI 6.x (Android 14), and now One UI 7.0 (Android 15).

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 FE made its way to customers with a pre-installed One UI 4. This makes the phone eligible for an additional upgrade to One UI 8 as its fourth and final OS update.

This rollout shows significant progress in Samsung’s OS update promise for flagship phones. Now, when the company has executed a successful four-year policy for the main S21 series, the company will next serve the same policy for the S22 and S23 series. The next-generation models, including the S24 and S25 series have seven generations of OS update support.

Samsung is already testing Android 16-based One UI 8 on the Galaxy S23 series. This massive development indicates that the company is considering the 2023 flagships, adding to the Open Beta Program this year as well.

Recently, Samsung Galaxy S23 was spotted running Android 16 (One UI 8) on Geekbench (thanks for this awesome tip, Alfaturk!). It’s the first time we’ve encountered evidence of Android 16 for the Galaxy S23 series.

Samsung’s 2023 flagships are eligible for the Android 16 upgrade. Even the 2022’s Galaxy S22 lineup will also receive the major OS update. The Beta testing would be limited to the Galaxy S23 series in certain markets.

Geekbench listing also reveals that the Galaxy S23 vanilla was a US carrier variant. The device scored 1976 points in the single-core test and 4888 points in the multi-core test. The performance would likely improve with further optimizations.

The Galaxy S23 series is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy worldwide. Early commencement of software optimization suggests that users won’t have to wait too long to receive the next major firmware upgrade.

Following the US variant, the company will soon bring the Global and Korean models to firmware optimization. Reports suggest the official One UI 8 launch in early July, while the Beta Program could kickstart later this month or early next month.

One UI 8 update will bring meaningful tweaks to the user interface. Samsung is also working on redesigning apps and core functionalities to further elevate the appearance and foundation set by the Android 15-based One UI 7 update.

Source – Geekbench

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge launch is set for May 13, 2025, sparking curiosity about whether the One UI 8 Beta will be teased. With the event just hours away, let’s explore the possibility of One UI 8 Beta tease during the S25 Edge reveal.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, a sleek addition to the S25 series, will be unveiled at an online-only event in the US tonight. Samsung’s teaser points to a sleek yet lightweight design, a 200 MP camera, and exceptional performance.

Today’s online event is scheduled for May 13, at 9 AM Korea time, 8 PM on May 12 in New York City, US, and 5:30 AM on May 13 in India. This event will likely focus on the device’s hardware, but software updates could also be highlighted.

Historically, Samsung has used flagship launches to highlight software features, such as new One UI versions or Beta Programs.

One UI 8, based on Android 16, is nearing its Beta phase. Recent reports claim that the Beta Program begins around the end of this month or early next month. The Galaxy S25 series, including the Edge, will likely be eligible for Beta.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is confirmed to ship with One UI 7, running Android 15. No official word confirms a One UI 8 Beta tease, but the timing is compelling.

Samsung often uses flagship events to discuss software. Past Unpacked events have teased beta programs. After the One UI 7 delays, announcing the One UI 8 Beta could rebuild user trust.

There is no direct confirmation, but the proximity of the launch and beta start suggests a possible announcement. The One UI 8 Beta is rumored to start by the end of May or early June, with the Galaxy S25 series first in line.

Users should watch the live stream for confirmation.

One UI 7 update introduces several new features and enhancements for Galaxy devices, delivering a next-level user experience. Samsung now brings Camera Assistant support for three One UI 7 running Galaxy devices – Galaxy A56, Galaxy M56, and Galaxy F56.

These three phones come pre-installed with One UI 7, so users can enjoy the new features of the Camera Assistant app. The Camera Assistant app gives you more control over your camera settings, helping you take better photos and videos.

With Camera Assistant, you can turn on helpful tools like zoom shortcuts, Auto HDR, picture softening, and auto lens switching. It also offers distortion correction and adaptive pixel technology, which can improve photo quality in different lighting conditions.

Image via SammyFans

Samsung has recently updated the Camera Assistant app to version 3.0.00.3, and the changelog confirms support for the Galaxy A56, Galaxy M56, and Galaxy F56 smartphones. This means users of these phones can now use all the features available in the app.

Users of these devices can now add a 2x zoom button, adjust how fast the shutter works, and change other camera settings to match their style. This makes the camera more flexible and fun to use.

One of the amazing new features in One UI 7 is the ability to save videos directly to an external USB storage device. Just plug in a USB-C drive, and your videos will be saved there automatically. This functionality is especially useful for users who need additional storage space for videos and want to free up internal memory.

If you own a Galaxy A56, M56, or F56, you can now use the Camera Assistant app and enjoy all these new features. It gives you more ways to enjoy your camera and get the most out of your phone’s features.

One UI 7 is rolling out to several Samsung devices, and some Galaxy A phones will receive it as the last major upgrade. Software updates come with plenty of new features and design changes, but also hit a support milestone.

Samsung is gradually expanding the One UI 7 update to Galaxy devices. Flagship smartphone users have joined the party with the latest OS update. However, the expansion will continue till the month of July this year.

Galaxy S21 series, Z Flip3, and Z Fold3 hit their last OS upgrade with One UI 7. It’s a major firmware, which introduces design changes along with new features. Spending the remaining time on One UI 7 is worth it.

It’s the same case for other lineups, including the Galaxy A series. While most of the design changes and core OS features will be provided, the availability would vary by hardware capabilities and optimization status.

One UI 7 is the last major upgrade for these Galaxy A phones

• Galaxy A14
• Galaxy A14 5G

Rollout is expected in June 2025.

The Galaxy A14 and A14 5G, released in 2023 with Android 13, are promised 2 major updates (Android 14 and 15), making One UI 7 their last. These devices may receive more new quarterly or biannual patches for security improvements.

So if you own a Galaxy A14 or its 5G variant, you don’t need to worry about One UI 7. Samsung is committed to providing the Android 15 upgrade with changes and features as much as possible, meeting the hardware functionalities.