Samsung has held the title of “King of Android Updates” due to their strong commitment to device support, timely delivery of monthly patches, and quick rollout of major Android OS updates, despite the heavy One UI skin. However, their position at the top of the list is now uncertain following a significant delay in the release of Android 15 (and One UI 7) that has not been adequately addressed by the company.
To provide some context, in October 2024, just weeks after Google had released Android 15 to AOSP, Samsung had yet to release any beta builds for Android 15, a departure from their usual schedule. While Android 14 beta had been available as early as August the year before for the Galaxy S23 series. Samsung finally announced in October that they would be launching a One UI 7 (Android 15) beta for the Galaxy S24 series before the end of the year, with plans to release the stable version on the Galaxy S25 in early 2025.
As of February 17, Samsung has still not released One UI 7 (Android 15) as a stable update for the Galaxy S24, nor have they extended the beta program to other devices. The company has been tight-lipped about the reasons behind the delays, with the only update coming from a press release mentioning a rollout to the Galaxy S series within the first quarter of the year.
The prolonged delay is concerning, especially considering Google’s accelerated Android 16 schedule. Samsung may be shifting their focus towards selling the One UI experience rather than prioritizing timely Android OS updates. While updates are crucial, the emphasis on new features in One UI could be a strategic move to attract customers.
It is important for Samsung to communicate any changes to their update schedule publicly to manage expectations. Delaying major updates without explanation could impact their reputation, especially when competitors like Google and OnePlus have already updated their devices to Android 15. Whether Samsung chooses to prioritize new software features on their latest devices first or revamp their update strategy, transparency is key to maintaining consumer trust.