Samsung has been testing out its upcoming One UI 6 (Android 14) upgrade for a while with those signed up for the firm’s beta programme getting early access to a bunch of new features. Now, after months of waiting, it seems an official worldwide launch of this major Android software upgrade could be imminent. Not only does the Korean technology giant have a history of pushing out these major releases before the end of the year but a number of tech experts reckon it’s coming very soon.
Top tipster Ice Universe, who has a track record of getting launches correct, has recently posted a message on X (formally Twitter) which states One UI 6 will arrive on phones before the end of October and another eagle-eyed Samsung fan, named Tarun Vats, says a stable version (not a beta test update) has been spotted on Samsung’s servers.
All this hints that a release will be announced soon – maybe even on Monday or Tuesday of this week – but sadly not everyone will be lucky enough to get it. Samsung won’t roll out One UI 6 to all devices as some are simply too old to install it.
Here is the full list of Galaxy devices that will get access to Android 14,
Galaxy S23 series • Galaxy S22 series • Galaxy S21 series • Galaxy Z Fold 5 • Galaxy Z Fold 4 • Galaxy Z Fold 3 • Galaxy Z Flip 5 • Galaxy Z Flip 4 • Galaxy Z Flip 3 • Galaxy A54 • Galaxy A53 • Galaxy M54 • Galaxy M53
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So what’s new in this release?
Some of the changes coming as part of One UI 6 include a refreshed design and more ways to customise how things look on the display.
There’s a new default font along with extra emojis on the Samsung Keyboard plus the firm has changed the Quick Panel to help make it easier to find the things you use the most.
The Lock Screen can also be changed automatically to suit the time of day or routines you are performing. For example, when switching to sleep mode an image of a calming forest will appear to set the mood.
There is also a new custom camera widget, which lets users preselect a camera mode and a storage location — like portrait mode and a folder just for headshots.
“Our mission with One UI is to reflect the unique preferences of our users in every aspect of their mobile experience,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Software Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Every iteration of One UI responds to the needs of our user community, and we look forward to user feedback on One UI 6 as we create a richer, more intuitive experience for all.”