Android
Here’s every Samsung device getting four years of Android OS updates
Before the Galaxy Unpacked 2022, Samsung software update policy ensured Three generations of Android upgrades as well as Four years of regular security updates for flagship Galaxy devices.
Well, in February 2022, Samsung officially announced the expansion of its upgrades guarantee. Now, the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets will be eligible for Four Android and One UI generation upgrades.
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Alongside the latest flagships, the same policy also applies to last year’s flagship Galaxy Z, and Galaxy S lineup. At the same time, select upcoming Galaxy A phones have also joined the four Android upgrades party.
Besides extended One UI upgrades, Samsung will now provide up to five years of security updates to help protect select Galaxy devices. Below you can check the list of the Galaxy devices that are eligible for four years of AndroidOS updates.
These Galaxy devices will have Four Android upgrades
- Galaxy S Series:
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy Z Series:
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A Series:
- Galaxy A73 5G
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A33 5G
- Galaxy Tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S8
- Galaxy Tab S8+
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
One UI 5.0
Google introduced the two Android 13 beta update that is available for both the users and developers. The Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra will be the first to receive the major software upgrade on both Beta and Stable channels.
Android 13 Beta 2.1:
Google released the Android 13 Beta 2.1 with a slew of fixes. The latest beta update of Android 13 brings fixes for problems that appeared in the previous betas. Read more here
Android 13 Beta 2:
Google released the Android 13 Beta 2 update with a bundle of new features including Themed app icons, quick setting placement API, pulsating home unlock animations, predictive back gestures, and more. Read the full story here
Android 13 Beta 1:
In April 2022, Android 13 Beta 1 rolled out first for Pixel phone users. With this beta update, Google enhanced the privacy and security of your devices while providing new APIs to help you build a great experience. Also, it improved several older features for a better experience. Read the full story here
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.