NEWS
While we wait for One UI 7 beta, Google unveils the first Android 16 Developer Preview
While we patiently wait for Samsung to release the Android 15-based One UI 7 beta update, Google has released the first Android 16 Developer Preview (DP1). This DP1 is focused on giving developers an early look at the new features and APIs that will be available in the final release in Q2 of 2025.
Andoird 16 Developer Preview 1 is available for 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 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. The preview is not for daily or consumer use, and can only be installed manually. The public Android beta program will begin in January 2025.
When is Android 16 coming out?
Google plans to release two developer previews of Android 16 and four beta versions before the new major Android version is ready for public use. The stable Android 16 will be available sometime after April 2025 for Pixel devices unless some unforeseen issue causes delays.
- Android 16 Developer Preview: November
- Android 16 Developer Preview 2: December
- Android 16 Beta 1: January,2025
- Android 16 Beta 2: February,2025
- Android 16 Beta 3: March,2025
- Android 16 Beta 4: April,2025
Android 16 DP features
The Android 16 DP comes with new features and improvements for app developers. It brings an Embedded photo picker, Health records, and the latest version of Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
- System Photo Picker: it will allow users a smoother, more integrated way to pick photos on the app without needing extra permissions.
- Health Connect: This allows apps to access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with the user’s permission.
- Privacy Sandbox: Android 16 DP brings the latest version of Privacy Sandbox to protect people’s privacy online.
One UI 8 could be released in Q3 of 2025
Google is scheduled to release the final version of Android 15 in Q2 of 2025, One UI 8 could also be released earlier. Samsung usually launches the stable version of One UI three months after Google launches a stable version of Android. So, is it possible that Samsung could release One UI 8 in Q3 of 2025?
As far as eligibility is concerned, almost every smartphone or tablet Samsung launched with Android 14 will get Android 16. Some devices that launched with Android 13 or earlier are eligible for three or four generations of major Android updates, and they will also get it.
However, Galaxy users are still waiting for the One UI 7 beta update, now it seems that Samsung soon release the beta update for the Galaxy S24 series in the coming days.
Samsung has released the February 2026 security update for four more Galaxy devices – the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. This update keeps your phone secure and running smoothly instead of adding new features or changing its look.
As always, this update improves the phone’s security and makes the system run more smoothly. This update fixes issues with the previous software version and helps make the device more stable. Samsung says this update is important because it protects users from security risks and keeps personal data safe.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 February 2026 update
Users of these devices can verify the latest update via the One UI build versions given below.
- Galaxy Z Flip 7: F766NKSS8AZB2
- Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: F761NKSS8AZB2
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: F956NKSS3CZB2
- Galaxy Z Flip 6: F741NKSS3CZB2
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Samsung usually rolls out updates gradually, so users in other markets should also receive the same update in a week or two.
To manually download the update, go to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install. Once the download is complete, tap Restart/Install Now to complete the installation. Make sure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has enough battery.
In addition to the security update, Samsung is also working on One UI 8.5. The beta version is currently available for the Galaxy S25 series in some regions, and Samsung has confirmed that the stable version will launch with the Galaxy S26 series tomorrow. Stay tuned for more details.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has started receiving the One UI 8.5 beta 5 update. The latest beta software contains several bug fixes and provides stability. This is likely the last beta before a stable release.
One UI 8.5 Beta 5 ZZAN is rolling out to Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in key markets. So far, it has been rolled out in Germany, India, South Korea, the US, and the UK.
Additionally, the February 2026 security patch has been tagged with the latest Beta update. It provides fixes for 25 that come from Google for Android, and 12 are provided by Samsung Mobile for additional protection of the One UI operating system.
The One UI 8.5 Beta 5 software includes an updated Bixby version that improves the usability experience. Moreover, this beta version updated your Samsung apps to the latest available versions.
One UI 8.5 Beta 5 update changelog:
- Version – One UI 8.5, ZZAN
Major changes/improvement
- Bixby version update applied
Samsung also revealed that the One UI 8.5 official rollout for the Galaxy S26 series will begin next week. That said, users of these flagships can expect the Stable update next month, and no new Beta will be provided in between.
If you’re already part of the One UI 8.5 beta program, you can get beta 5 on your Galaxy by going to Settings > Software updates > Download and install.
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.
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