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 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.
Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G are well-loved smartphones in the Galaxy S series that have now shifted from a monthly to a quarterly update plan. This means that Galaxy users of these Galaxy flagship devices will now receive software updates every three months instead of every month.
The Korean tech giant recently announced its revised update schedule for its Galaxy devices, with the February 2026 security patch, and the Galaxy S22 series has been placed in the quarterly update category.
The Galaxy S22 still performs very well, and with the latest Galaxy AI features recently added via the One UI 8 update, it remains up-to-date. Furthermore, it will receive One UI 8.5 later this year, which will likely be the final One UI upgrade for the S22.
How many more updates will the Galaxy S22 get?
If you need a reminder, your Galaxy S22 series is eligible for Samsung’s four-year Android upgrade policy and will get four major OS upgrades. These phones launched with Android 12 and One UI 4.1 and have already received Android 16, along with their respective One UI updates.
Coming to the topic, although the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 5G will continue to function properly, the change in the quarterly update schedule means that users will not receive the latest features and security enhancements as quickly as before.
If you own a Galaxy S22 series phone and are considering an upgrade, you might want to check out newer Samsung models like the Galaxy S26 series. These devices will launch later this month with new features in One UI 8.1, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest technology.
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