Samsung has long been one of the fastest brands when it comes to software updates, often outpacing competitors by rolling out its latest One UI versions shortly after Google releases a new Android update. However, as of February 21, 2025, Samsung fans are left puzzled—Android 15-based One UI 7 remains missing for most Galaxy devices.
Why Is One UI 7 Taking So Long?
- Limited Rollout: So far, only the newly launched Galaxy S25 series and the budget-friendly Galaxy F06 5G have received the stable version of One UI 7. Other Galaxy devices, including last year’s flagship S24 series, are still stuck on Android 14-based One UI 6.1.
- Beta Program Issues: The One UI 7 beta started in December 2024, months after Android 15 was released in October 2024. The beta was also limited to select regions and devices like the Galaxy S24 series in the US, UK, Germany, Poland, Korea, and India.
- Past vs. Present: In contrast, One UI 6 (Android 14) rolled out efficiently—Samsung launched its beta in August 2023, even before Android 14 was official. By November 2023, the stable update was already hitting major Galaxy devices.
One UI 7: Key Reasons for the Delay
Samsung hasn’t given an official reason for the delay, but here are some possible explanations:
- Major UI Overhaul: One UI 7 introduces significant changes, including:
- A revamped Quick Settings panel
- The all-new “Now Bar” feature
- Enhanced AI tools for writing assistance, photo editing, and more
- New animations and UI refinements Samsung may be taking extra time to optimize these features and iron out any bugs before a widespread release.
Prioritizing New Flagships: The Galaxy S25 series launched on January 22, 2025, with One UI 7 pre-installed. Samsung may have focused on ensuring a smooth launch rather than rushing updates for older models.
Tighter Software Testing: Samsung has reportedly released four beta builds for the Galaxy S24 series and recently closed the beta program, signaling that the final stable version is nearing release.
When Will One UI 7 Roll Out to More Devices?
While Samsung hasn’t provided an official timeline, based on past rollouts, here’s what to expect:
- Early March 2025: Stable One UI 7 rollout begins for the Galaxy S24 series.
- March - April 2025: Update expands to older flagships, including Galaxy S23, S22, and Z Fold/Flip 6.
- April - May 2025: Mid-range devices like the Galaxy A-series receive the update.
This timeline is much slower than One UI 6, which reached flagship phones by December 2023 and mid-range devices shortly after.
How Samsung Stacks Up Against Competitors
Samsung’s delay stands out, especially when comparing it to rival brands:
- OnePlus: Released OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) in November 2024 for devices as old as the OnePlus 10 Pro and mid-range Nord models.
- Xiaomi: Began rolling out MIUI based on Android 15 to select devices before the end of 2024.
What’s Next?
While Samsung is taking longer than expected, the company is likely focusing on polishing One UI 7 for a more refined experience. However, the lack of an official roadmap has left Galaxy users frustrated.
Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re waiting for One UI 7, keep an eye on Samsung’s official announcements and firmware trackers.