One UI 8.5 Unlikely to Come to Galaxy S22, Fold 4 and More

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Update: Why Some Phones Might Miss Out

Samsung users were eagerly anticipating the release of the One UI 8.5 update, based on Android 16 QPR2, which promised a refreshed interface and new features. However, Tech Advisor reports that popular devices like the Galaxy S22, Z Fold 4, and Z Flip 4 may be excluded from this update, despite previous promises from Samsung.

Traditionally, Samsung has provided updates to all eligible devices within their support window, based on a particular version of Android. This means that any phone that received a specific version of Android would also receive subsequent updates based on that version. Many users expected phones like the Galaxy S22, Z Fold 4, and Z Flip 4 to receive the One UI 8.5 update.

However, Samsung’s approach to Android 16 seems to have changed with the release of One UI 8.5. Unlike previous updates that were based on the same core Android code, One UI 8.5 is built on a different version of Google’s OS than One UI 8. This shift in development has made the update process complex and time-consuming for older hardware, leading to the exclusion of certain devices from receiving the update.

The decision to exclude these devices breaks Samsung’s historical pattern of providing updates to all eligible phones, raising concerns among users who were expecting to receive the One UI 8.5 update. Samsung Germany’s press release indicated that only phones from the Samsung Galaxy S23 range and the last three generations of the A series would be supported, leaving out devices like the Galaxy S22 and A33.

The shift in Samsung’s software development approach has implications for users who purchased their devices before 2024 and were promised four generations of major Android OS upgrades. While newer devices like the Galaxy S24 now come with the promise of seven OS generations and mid-range A-series phones receive at least six major updates, older devices may miss out on future updates like the One UI 8.5.

Moving forward, Samsung’s new update strategy aims to provide more consistent and extended software support for its devices. However, for users with older devices, the exclusion from the One UI 8.5 update highlights the challenges of keeping up with evolving software requirements and compatibility. The shift in Samsung’s update policy emphasizes the importance of staying informed about software updates and their implications for device compatibility and functionality.