Samsung Foldables to Get One UI Updates First Before Others
Samsung is reportedly implementing a significant shift in its One UI software update strategy, with a new focus on prioritising its foldable smartphone lineup. This change comes after a less-than-smooth rollout of One UI 7, leading to speculation that the recent early release of One UI 8 for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 signifies a new direction for the company’s software distribution.
According to prominent tipster Ice Universe, Samsung’s new approach will see its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices launching with the absolute latest Android version pre-installed. This means future foldable releases will be the first to showcase new One UI designs, advanced AI features, and software enhancements directly out of the box.
Let me explain the future One UI update plan for you:
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) July 25, 2025
For each generation of Z Fold:
It will receive major One UI version updates aligned with Google's Android releases. For example, One UI 8 will be based on Android 16, and One UI 9 will sync with Android 17.
For each…
Conversely, the flagship Galaxy S series, traditionally Samsung’s first line for new software, will now receive incremental One UI updates. While this might seem like a demotion, it could also indicate a strategic move to ensure a more polished and stable user experience for the S series. By allowing the foldables to debut new software, Samsung may be using them as a testing ground, refining the user experience before rolling out a more robust version to its widely popular Galaxy S family.
This new strategy suggests a dual approach: innovation and cutting-edge features will first appear on the foldables, while the Galaxy S lineup will benefit from a more stable and refined software experience, potentially avoiding the issues seen with previous updates.