One UI 6.1.1: What's the deal for Galaxy S24, S23, S22, and S21 owners?

Update 06/09/24: Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 6.1.1 update to older models namely the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5 and Tab S9 series. There’s no mention of the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 series, but time will tell whether the update will also become available to these devices.

Notably, Samsung says the updated software version will be displayed as One UI 6.1 for the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, and Galaxy S23 FE. As for the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5 and Tab S9 series, the update will display as One UI 6.1.1.

Original article follows:

Samsung is gearing up for some major software updates this year. Before the much-anticipated Android 15 and One UI 7.0 arrive, Galaxy users can look forward to the One UI 6.1.1 update. This update is set to debut on the latest foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones next month, eventually making its way to older devices.

However, it’s important to note that the x.1.1 versions of One UI are primarily aimed at Samsung’s foldables and tablets, introducing features that leverage those form factors. Despite this, there are general improvements that other Galaxy phone users can benefit from.

While it’s officially slated for Samsung’s foldables and tablets, there’s good news for Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, and possibly even Galaxy S21 owners, too. According to reports, the One UI 6.1.1 software update that promises exciting new Galaxy AI features and improvements for older foldables and tablets is also slated to hit several existing non-foldable devices. However, it will arrive packaged as a “bigger” One UI 6.1 update and not One UI 6.1.1.

A moderator on Samsung’s community forums recently hinted that the next One UI 6.1 upgrade for the Galaxy S23 FE will be “equivalent to One UI 6.1.1.” This information resonates with what Ice Universe, a Samsung insider, said on X, formerly Twitter — that the Galaxy S24 series will receive a substantial One UI 6.1 update in August packed with the same features as One UI 6.1.1.

This means that even though it won’t officially be labeled as One UI 6.1.1, these Galaxy smartphones will enjoy all the benefits and improvements of the latest software version. So, what does this mean for you?

For Galaxy S24 series owners, this means that the next update will likely bring all the benefits of One UI 6.1.1 but will still be labeled as One UI 6.1. This update is expected to roll out in August, bringing new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience. While not officially confirmed, it is highly likely that the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22 series will also receive these updates. Historically, Samsung has extended significant updates to its slightly older flagship devices, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest software advancements.

Given that the Galaxy S21 series is in line for the One UI 7.0 update, it is also expected to get some of the new features in the One UI 6.1.1 update, but definitely not as many as the Galaxy S24 series.

So, while the official One UI 6.1.1 update is reserved for foldables and tablets, Galaxy S24, S23, and S22 owners won’t be entirely left out in the cold. You can look forward to enjoying some of the latest features and improvements through upcoming updates, even if they don’t carry the official One UI 6.1.1 label.

Notably, this info isn’t official from Samsung, so take it with a huge grain of salt. After all, with One UI 7.0 around the corner, there’s a world where Samsung could opt to skip One UI 6.1.1 on all or some non-foldable devices and instead bundle the new features in the next Android 15-based update later in the year.