Samsung has recently launched a new mid-range smartphone in India. Besides a new camera design and sleek profile, the new Samsung Galaxy M56 brings One UI 7 out of the box and supports six years of Android and security updates.

It’s not the first non-premium phone that’s getting the new OS pre-installed. Samsung has previously launched a few entry-level models that get the latest Android 15-based One UI 7 out of the box, while flagship owners are still waiting.

Samsung has been working to optimize Android 15 for Galaxy devices since December 2024. The company has launched the Open Beta in early December for the Galaxy S24 series, which expanded in March to foldables and the S23 series.

The Samsung Galaxy M56 5G will go on sale in India next week. The company highlights that the One UI 7 brings a redesigned user experience, smart new widgets, modern app icons, Now Bar for real-time updates, and core security enhancements.

Six-gen OS upgrades make the Galaxy M56 superior to flagships like the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. While One UI 7 is the last major upgrade for the S21 series, the S22 will be reaching its end of support with the One UI 8 update.

As for the Galaxy S23 series, this lineup is also eligible for only four generations of OS upgrades. Samsung’s new 7-year update policy is applicable on Galaxy S24 series and later flagship models including the Galaxy S25 series.

On the flip side, the mid-range Galaxy M56 will be receiving major upgrades up to Android 21. Security updates are also promised to be delivered by up to October 2030, which could go even beyond if Samsung revises the support.

While the S21 and S22 series were released years ago, they are still better than Samsung’s 2025 mid-ranger. Consumers have paid five times extra money, and the support isn’t what they deserve at this point, in the mid-range, getting valued.

Samsung hosted an event to mark the launch of Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 in South Africa. The company has also introduced Samsung SOS+ security service, in partnership with Aura.

Developed in collaboration with Aura, Samsung SOS+ is a personal emergency service. It connects users to over 3,000 armed response vehicles and 700 ambulances across South Africa, ensuring rapid assistance during emergencies.

Using SOS+, users dial a dedicated number to share their live location with Aura’s secure system. Help is dispatched immediately, and a call-back from the control center confirms assistance is on the way. The service prioritizes speed and reliability.

SOS+ is free for the first 12 months with the purchase of a new Samsung Galaxy A56, A36, or A26 smartphone. After the pilot trial ends, the service costs around R29 per month. The subscription service will be available starting May 1.

“With Awesome Intelligence, we’re delivering an experience that’s smarter, more creative, and more personal to user and fans of the ever-popular Galaxy A series,” said Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa. “These new devices bring flagship-level AI features and robust security to more people than ever before, while also debuting Samsung SOS+ – a true game-changer for personal safety in South Africa.”

#SamsungSA VP of Mobile Experience, Justin Hume, just introduced Samsung SOS+ in partnership with #Aura! This is #AwsomeIntelligence to put safety into every pocket. pic.twitter.com/NhVcSHZ2HD

— Samsung Mobile SA (@SamsungMobileSA) April 16, 2025

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Samsung continues its multi-year partnership with the New York Mets as the official display and technology solutions partner. This collaboration shines at Mets House NYC, which is an interactive pop-up shop in Union Square, powered by Samsung.

Fans can test their skills with the Mets Match Your Swing experience. Using Diamond Kinetics sensors to analyze stance and swing, it matches fans’ swings to Mets players. Results display in real time on a Samsung 98-inch QHC Series Display.

Mets House also features MLB: The Show on the QHC Series Display, offering an immersive gaming experience. Fans can play as their favorite Mets player, manage the team as Carlos Mendoza, or control the entire squad.

“Mets House is more than just another pop-up shop. It provides unique and immersive experiences that are brought to life with help from Samsung,” said Andrew Grossman, Chief Growth Officer, New York Mets. “With Samsung Displays, the activations at Mets House strengthen our bond with our fans and connect us with new ones, showcasing how technology and creativity can come together to enhance the fan experience.”

Two Samsung 85-inch QMC Series Commercial Displays showcase Mets history, from current highlights to iconic moments like walk-off wins. These vibrant screens also promote exclusive ticketing specials, keeping fans engaged.

Despite having Android at its core, Samsung’s One UI doesn’t join Google’s Beta Program. This year, no surprise: Samsung has skipped Google’s Android 16 Beta list, which is joined by many rivaling brands like Xiaomi.

Google has recently released Android 16 Beta 4 for Pixel phones. It comes as the second Platform Stability release, which is almost as stable as the official release. Google also announced compatible apps can now be listed on the Play Store.

However, Samsung’s decision to skip Google’s Beta aligns with its history of focusing on One UI. This approach lets the company “personally” refine its software, though it means Galaxy users wait longer for Android 16 previews.

Android 16 Beta is now available on various devices from brands including Google, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, Sharp, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor. The new OS is available on top of the previous version of their respective custom skins.

Source – Android Developers

Samsung will bring Android 16 to Galaxy devices as part of One UI 8. Other Android OEMs also have their custom skins based on Android, but they usually join Google’s Android Beta Program ahead of their own skin’s testing.

While Android 16 is getting ready for official release, Samsung has also shifted gears and has been internally testing the One UI 8. This new iteration will be unveiled with the next-gen foldables this year, and we’ve got plenty of leaks.

One UI 8 could be a minor upgrade in comparison to One UI 7. Key interface aspects will remain similar, but we would see design tweaks across system apps such as Samsung Gallery, My Files, and Quick Share. Here’s more on One UI 8:

• One UI 8 hands-on video shows what’s changing in Samsung’s Android 16 update

Samsung TV Plus is leading the FAST channel market, offering nearly 700 channels in the US. The number of available channels is more than any of the other major FAST platforms nationwide.

Notably, Samsung TV Plus offers over 100 exclusive channels to deliver a differentiated and expansive offering of premium entertainment across all key categories.

Streaming categories range from live sports, music, kids, Spanish language, K-Content, award-winning films, and popular TV shows, as well as comprehensive local news coverage in 114 DMAs.

The company has also revealed that the TV Plus platform’s engagement has surged by 30% in Q1 alone, which followed the 88 million monthly active users mark in 2024.

Samsung TV Plus has amplified its focus on on-demand and has added over 70% more shows and movies to its library, resulting in an impressive 177% year-over-year increase in hours viewed.

“With Samsung TV Plus, we’ve transformed what streaming can be by offering premium, personalized entertainment at a scale no other FAST service can match,” said Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and General Manager at  TV Plus. “This year, we’re deepening that commitment by delivering even more high-quality content, richer viewing experiences, and greater variety of programming to ensure audiences always have something exceptional to watch.”