Samsung One UI 7: Final Major Update for Several Galaxy Devices
End of the Line for OS Upgrades
Samsung is preparing the Android 15-based One UI 7, but this will be the last major OS update for several Galaxy devices. While they will continue to receive security updates, Android 16 and beyond won't be available for these phones. This coincides with Google's work on Android 16, anticipated in Q2 2025. Check out the latest on One UI 7's release.
Affected Devices
- Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3
- Galaxy A & M Series: Galaxy A14/A14 5G and M14/M14 5G
Samsung typically provides four years of major OS updates, but these devices are now reaching that limit. For insights on other phone updates, see Xiaomi's HyperOS 2.1 update.
One UI 7 Highlights
One UI 7, based on Android 15, offers a range of improvements. Key features include:
- UI/Customization: Redesigned UI, Now Bar, customizable quick settings and home screen, dynamic lock screen widgets, and a vertical app drawer option.
- AI: Enhanced Galaxy AI, AI writing tools, Sketch to Image, AI Audio Eraser, and call transcription.
- Performance/Security: Expanded gesture controls, adaptive screen timeout, enhanced battery management, and Private Space.
- Camera/Media: New camera app layout, Super HDR toggle, and app archiving.
One UI 7 will revitalize these older Samsung devices with new features before their update support ends. For more on Samsung devices, consider the Galaxy S25 Ultra review.