Samsung Galaxy S23, S22, and S21 owners might be in for a bit of a letdown, according to a new rumor. Leaker FamilyTaes on X claims that the One UI 7 beta program, which is based on Android 15, will only be available for the Galaxy S24 series. If this turns out to be true, it would represent a significant shift from Samsung’s usual practice of including older flagship models in these beta tests.
S24 series OneUI 7 beta 3 will release between 30th~6th (Can be +- 2 days).
After beta 3 there’d be 2~3 more beta builds at max.
S23/22/21/A series won’t have any beta program.
Stable rollout schedule will be announced at unpacked, 22nd Jan (most probably Feb 1st~2nd week).
— NMPS (@FamilyTaes) December 24, 2024
Typically, Samsung has rolled out its One UI beta programs to include not just the latest devices but also the previous generation like the S23 series. However, FamilyTaes suggests that the S23, S22, S21, and even the Galaxy A series are going to be left out this time. These users would then have to wait for the stable version of One UI 7, which is expected to follow the Galaxy S24’s launch in early 2025.
This news comes at a time when Samsung is already under fire for the seemingly slow rollout of Android 15. Those users who older flagship phones have been eagerly anticipating a chance to test the new software, but ongoing rumors of delayed internal testing are causing frustration. Skipping the beta phase might speed things up but could also disappoint those who enjoy being early adopters.
FamilyTaes has also shared details about the beta timeline for the S24 series, suggesting that Beta 3 could hit devices between December 30 and January 6, with a few more updates before the final version sees the light of day. Samsung is expected to reveal the full One UI 7 rollout plan at its next Unpacked event.
However, not everyone is on the same page. Another leaker, Tarun Vats, has noted the existence of internal One UI 7 test builds for older Galaxy models, hinting that there might still be a chance for a broader beta program. With no official confirmation from Samsung, the future remains uncertain. That said, the leaker also shared information about the expected release of One UI 7 for multiple Samsung phones:
🚨 Attention Galaxy Fans! ✨
Mark your calendars: Stable One UI 7 is expected to roll out in February 2025 for these devices:
S Series
• S24 (incl. FE)
• S23 (incl. FE)
• S22
• S21 (incl. FE)Z Series
• Z Fold/Flip 6
• Z Fold | Flip 5, 4, 3Repost pic.twitter.com/nAkskTEPya
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) December 26, 2024
For now, all Galaxy users can do is wait and see if Samsung decides to break from tradition or if it will keep its usual practice of including older flagships in the beta fun.