Samsung Kicks Off Android 15-Based One UI 7 Testing on Galaxy S24 Ultra
TL;DR: Samsung has begun testing its upcoming One UI 7 software, based on Android 15, on the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Europe. Testing on other S24 models should follow soon, with a beta program expected this summer.
Samsung appears to be laying the groundwork for its upcoming One UI 7 software, which is based on Google’s Android 15. Recent findings suggest that the tech giant has commenced internal testing of the new software skin on the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Europe.
A Telling Character Change
SamMobile reports that a new firmware build, version S928BXXU2BXE2, was spotted on Samsung’s servers. The crucial detail lies in the apparent change at the end of the version number, from “A…” to “B…”. This single-character swap typically signifies the start of a new major OS, based on Samsung’s past practices.
Testing on Other Models to Follow
While the Galaxy S24 Ultra seems to be the first device to undergo One UI 7 testing, other models like the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus have yet to begin. However, the publication notes that Samsung usually starts development shortly after Google releases its first beta for the next Android software, so testing on these devices should commence soon.
A beta program for the upcoming Android 15-based software is also expected to launch in the coming summer months.
Potential Changes in One UI 7
Rumors about One UI 7 have been intensifying, with a Samsung Good Lock developer hinting at the possible disappearance of the sideways app drawer. This update could reduce reliance on the Home Up module, which currently displays a user’s apps on horizontally scrolling pages.
The representative mentioned that the team is exploring the implementation of a “vertical list function” that the OS can use without depending on Good Lock.
Android 15 Development Progress
Meanwhile, Google continues to develop Android 15, recently releasing Beta 1.2 in late April. This iterative update aimed to address issues from Beta 1.1, such as app freezing, battery drain, and crashes. Although Google has made the current test build more stable, enrolled users have reported some unresolved problems.
As we enter May, we anticipate the release of Android 15 Beta 2 at any moment. Google’s timeline indicates that “Platform Stability” should be achieved by June, with the stable Android 15 software rolling out between August and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates on Samsung’s One UI 7 and Google’s Android 15 development.