NEWS
Galaxy S23 is the latest to get January 2025 update
Following the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has kicked off the January 2025 security update for the Galaxy S23 series phones. With this firmware, the Korean tech giant has posted the latest safety fixes for the security system and boosts the overall health of your handset.
Meanwhile, the tech giant is gearing up for the One UI 7 update rollout for Galaxy devices. In recent days, Samsung has been testing a new build for a number of devices including Galaxy S models, Galaxy A phones, Galaxy M, and tablets.
January 2025 security update lands on Galaxy S23 series
As of now, the company is bringing the January 2025 security update for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra devices. Users can identify the firmware with One UI version S911BXXS7CXL2, S916BXXS7CXL2, and S918BXXS7CXL2, respectively. Besides, you need to download a firmware package of 381 Megabytes. We advise using a standard Wi-Fi connection and adequate battery level to download the firmware.
According to the information, this update fixes various levels of exploits and issues present in the device system. Apart from this, it also addresses the vulnerabilities found in the previous software upgrade and ensures better security for your important data and inputs.
Apart from the security patch, users may find hidden optimizations for the major aspects of the device like SoundPicker, Samsung Message, NotificationManager, Protection Mechanism Failure in the bootloader, and performance efficiency. However, the update doesn’t mention any such specifics for the moment.
You can manually download the firmware by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The whole process can take time though, so keep calm and have a great day!
One UI 7 for Galaxy S23 series – When?
The ultimate device is spinning around the One UI 7 upgrade confusion. Users are constantly eyeing the major upgrade for their Galaxy S23 handsets. Yet, Samsung has not mentioned any specifics on this matter so far.
Even though the Galaxy S23 series stands as a top lineup, it does not join the beta program. We have entered January 2025 and probably this month, the company might unveil new insights about the One UI 7 rollout and mark confirmation on this matter at Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
Samsung is working on the One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 QPR2 on the Galaxy S25 series. The One UI 8.5 is Samsung’s latest version of Android customisation for Galaxy smartphones. Now, the reportred tha Samsung may offers more refined UI design for the upcoming One UI 9, which is based on Android 17.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung has replaced the rectangular bottom bar with the rectangular tabs found in One UI 8.
According to @tarunvats33, One UI 9 will further enhance the pill-shaped design across all apps. Therefore, Samsung fans are hoping the company will add frosted glass and smoother animations in the upcoming update.
A tipster shared images of Quick Share from One UI 9.0 on their X handle. As you can see in the images below:
It has a more compact floating pill-shaped bottom bar compared to One UI 8.5, and the tabs also look more rounded.
We expect One UI 9 to officially launch around July 2026, probably alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. On the other hand, Samsung hasn’t yet confirmed when One UI 9 will arrive, so keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for the official roadmap later this spring.
This update will be based on the Android 17 operating system. The foldable devices will be the first to launch with the latest OS pre-installed.
Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship S series smartphones, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, and now we have the latest “possible” look via unofficial leaked renders, showing the phones in black from different angles.
Certain tipsters have suggested the design of the new Galaxy S26 series way before its launch. Some said that it could bring a vertical pill shape bump in the base layer, encompassing three rings on the back, just like its predecessor, while others are now hinting at a box-like imaging system.
Amid this confusion, alleged renders of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra are emerging from YTECHB, showing what the devices could actually look like. It may adopt stunning dynamic shades this time: Black, showing the device from all angles.
Looking at the renders in detail, the biggest design change is the rear camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead of the old separate rings, it now features a single camera island inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, giving the back a clean, modern look.
With the launch approaching on February 25th, official renders of the Galaxy S26 series have leaked, and we expect more interesting leaks to emerge soon. Samsung has also started taking pre-reservations for it in many countries, including the US and India.
Here’s how it looks.
Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S series phones, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, later this month. We’ve already seen numerous leaks and rumors about these devices, detailing their specifications and indicating that the launch is imminent. Now, a reliable industry insider has provided new information about 4 design changes coming to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Leaker “IceUniverse” has shared new information about four design changes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to the leak, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have slightly more rounded corners, giving it a softer overall look.
Regarding the second change, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly larger front camera cutout. This is due to the front camera’s wider field of view, which should allow more people to fit into group selfies.
Furthermore, there is no difference in the bezel width between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Fourth, and most importantly, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly larger display. It measures 6.89 inches, compared to the 6.86-inch display of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Recently, disappointing news for fans has emerged from an online listing. It appears that Samsung has not included Qi2 magnets in the device. Users will need to purchase compatible accessories to utilize Qi2 charging.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be officially launched on February 25th. The event will take place in San Francisco, and an official livestream will be available for fans. More details will be revealed as the launch date approaches. Stay tuned.
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