Opinion
[Opinion] One UI 3.1.1 will help Samsung to boost Android 12 (One UI 4) rollout for Galaxy devices
Google’s Android 12 operating system is official and set to release for the world this September. As Samsung is the leading smartphone brand across the globe, it needs to re-imagine the stock Android and make it more powerful for Galaxy device owners than others.
Today, we’re talking about an interesting fact that’s going to help Samsung boost its Android 12 (One UI 4) development for the Galaxy devices. Since the birth of One UI, its custom Android skin, the company released three iterations of the same generation (also based on the same Android OS) including:
- One UI 1.0, One UI 1.1 and One UI 1.5
- One UI 2.0, One UI 2.1 and One UI 2.5
- One UI 3.0, One UI 3.1 and One UI 3.5 (expected)
Samsung’s Android adoption and One UI development strategy
Sammy Fans are well known for the release plan of One UI versions and generations. The OEM runs its own Beta activity on every new Android generation to build a new One UI iteration for Galaxy devices. The company follows the below-mentioned strategy.
- Wait for the official/stable Android release
- Announcement for new Android OS-based One UI generation
- Developers Preview for Galaxy devices
- Public beta activity for general users (select phones)
- Stable release begins after a successful Beta trial.
After the official release of the new Android OS, Samsung announces One UI x.0 for developers, followed by a public beta and stable release. With the new Galaxy S flagships, it brings One UI x.1 pre-installed and later on rolls out this new version to other Galaxy owners.
In the third quarter, the Korean phone maker launches its new Galaxy Note flagship line that debuts another One UI variant i.e. the One UI x.5 out of the box. Following the same strategy, the company releases the changes of the x.5 version of One UI to eligible Galaxy phones and tablets.
Due to this heavy workout on the same Android generation, the Korean tech giant needs too much time to deliver the newer Android generation as we can take the Android 11 rollout as an example. However, Samsung is impressively upgrading Galaxies to Android 11, but it’s time to focus on Android 12.
And it looks like Samsung has finally decided to kill rivals with its Android 12 update as it’s going to not waste more time on Android 11-based another One UI 3 iteration. The company’s decision of One UI 3.5 cancellation itself a hint for the public that they are going to see a massive Android 12 distribution this year.
So, upcoming flagship Galaxies will also equip One UI 3.1?
No! As the One UI x.5 version comes along with new Galaxy Note phones, but they are not coming this year and are expected to make a come back in Q3 2022. It’s true, Samsung is going to not introduce the Android 11-based One UI 3.5 with its upcoming flagships, but they will be debuting with a new One UI 3 variant.
Following the future era and popularization of foldable screen smartphones, Samsung canceled its iconic Galaxy Note series this year and gambled its hope on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 (with S Pen support) and Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable flagships.
One UI 3.1.1, Samsung’s best try for robust Android 12 rollout
With the Android 11, Samsung is going to entirely change its One UI development as the next/final version will be the One UI 3.1.1, not One UI 3.5. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are coming with the One UI 3.1.1 (based on Android 11) out of the box.
One UI 3.1.1, leaked by Ice Universe and later on confirmed by Samsung, is going to help the Korean tech titan for a speedy Android 12 development and rollout as well. The version of this upcoming One UI itself hints that it’s a very minor upgrade over the One UI 3.1.
If we talk about its market debut, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 rumored to be introduced at the company’s next Unpacked on August 11. Unlike the expected One UI 3.5, the One UI 3.1.1 might not bring noticeable changes and features, but it will highlight some foldable-focussed functionalities.
It’s still unclear whether Samsung will distribute the One UI version 3.1.1 to the current Galaxy devices running One UI 3.1 or not. Meanwhile, the recent Good Lock Nice Catch update’s changelog dropped a hint of its arrival to more Galaxies other than the foldables.
Samsung Android 12 (One UI 4) Progress
Usually, Samsung starts the new Android OS adoption process just after its official release for general users. However, reliable sources revealed that the company is internally running the Android 12 development for the Galaxy S21 series.
Aside from this, sources claimed that the One UI 4 Beta will be released for the Galaxy S21 flagship lineup next week that’s too much ahead, compared to the last year’s One UI 3.0 Beta, which was introduced in September for developers, followed by the public (beta) in October.
Conclusion
That’s all folks and I think the arrival of One UI 3.1.1 and cancellation of One UI 3.5 will help Samsung for a speedy Android 12 (One UI 4) development and rollout for Galaxy devices. What do you think about the company’s decision? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!