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Samsung expands One UI 7.0 beta: Galaxy S22 may join the list soon

Galaxy S22
Galaxy S22 - Foto: Karlis Dambrans / Shutterstock.com Galaxy S22 - Foto: Karlis Dambrans / Shutterstock.com

Samsung took a significant step this week by announcing the expansion of the One UI 7.0 beta program, its Android 15-based interface, to a new batch of devices. Beyond the Galaxy S24 lineup, which has been part of the testing phase since December, other high-end models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are confirmed to receive the update as early as this Thursday, March 6. However, the news sparking excitement among users is the potential inclusion of the Galaxy S22 series in the near future, based on evidence spotted in the company’s internal servers.

Over the past few days, the South Korean giant detailed that the beta program now includes models such as the Galaxy S23, Galaxy A55, and the Plus and Ultra versions of the Galaxy Tab S10 tablet lineup. This came with a timeline projecting the stable One UI 7.0 rollout to begin in April, starting with the Galaxy S24 series. Meanwhile, Samsung’s user community remains vigilant for signs that additional devices, including the widely used Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, might join this testing phase before the official release.

A firmware test version of One UI 7.0 for the Galaxy S22 lineup, reported by a user on Samsung’s official community, strengthens the possibility that the company is gearing up for a broader beta expansion. If confirmed, owners of these 2022-launched models could get an early taste of the interface’s new features, signaling Samsung’s commitment to keeping its devices updated for longer periods.

Beta program gains momentum with new devices

Expanding the One UI 7.0 beta program reflects Samsung’s strategy to deliver an enhanced experience to a wider user base. Launched in December with the Galaxy S24 lineup, the program has already undergone several updates, bringing bug fixes and optimizations. Now, with the addition of devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, the company is focusing on its foldable lineup, which holds a significant share of the premium market.

In addition to foldables, the Galaxy S23 lineup—including the S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra—is slated to receive the beta this month. These smartphones, released in 2023, feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and robust hardware capable of supporting One UI 7.0’s new features, such as AI enhancements and interface tweaks. The inclusion of the mid-range Galaxy A55 and the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra tablets shows Samsung’s intent to test the update’s compatibility across various device categories.

The potential inclusion of the Galaxy S22 series in this testing phase stands out. Spotted in Samsung’s internal servers, the beta version for these models could roll out in the coming weeks, further broadening the program’s scope. This would be welcome news for owners of the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, devices that remain popular in the market, with prices ranging from $470 to $700 in Brazilian retail.

One UI 7.0 timeline: what to expect in the coming months

Alongside the beta expansion, Samsung has provided hints about the One UI 7.0 rollout schedule. The stable version is set to begin reaching devices in April, starting with the Galaxy S24 lineup. This delay compared to previous years, when major updates typically arrived earlier, has sparked speculation among users.

The beta program is expected to run for at least another month, allowing Samsung to refine the interface based on tester feedback. For the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, the beta is confirmed to launch this Thursday, March 6, in markets like India, South Korea, the UK, and the US. For the Galaxy S23 lineup, Galaxy A55, and Tab S10 tablets, the beta is slated for later this month, potentially joined by the Galaxy S22 series if rumors hold true.

Here’s a breakdown of the expected timeline:

  • March 6: Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 receive the beta in select markets.
  • Throughout March: Galaxy S23, Galaxy A55, Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, and Ultra join the program.
  • Possible addition: Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, pending official confirmation.
  • April: Stable version rollout begins, starting with the Galaxy S24.

This schedule underscores Samsung’s aim to ensure One UI 7.0 hits the market with minimal issues, especially after reports of development delays.

One UI 7.0 brings new features to users

One UI 7.0 introduces several enhancements designed to elevate the Samsung user experience. Built on Android 15, the interface sports a refreshed design with redesigned icons, smoother animations, and a revamped notification bar for quicker access. The company is also leaning into AI-driven features, such as advanced writing tools and camera optimizations, expected to roll out on flagship models.

For foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, the update includes improvements to Flex mode and multitasking, maximizing the potential of larger screens. On the Tab S10 lineup, better S Pen integration is anticipated, while the Galaxy A55 will likely receive streamlined versions of these features tailored to its mid-range hardware. If the Galaxy S22 series joins the beta, its users will also get a preview of these updates.

Security remains a priority, too. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 recently received the March security patch, addressing dozens of vulnerabilities and paving the way for the One UI 7.0 beta. This step could be a prerequisite for other devices entering the testing phase.

Eligible devices and market impact

Adding more devices to the One UI 7.0 beta program highlights Samsung’s effort to keep a broad range of products up to date. The Galaxy S22 lineup, comprising the S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, launched in February 2022 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and remains a strong contender for consumers seeking solid performance at more affordable prices. In Brazil, the standard S22 retails for around $470, while the S22 Ultra reaches $700.

Other confirmed models, like the Galaxy S23 and foldables Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, cater to the premium segment with cutting-edge hardware. The Galaxy A55, powered by the Exynos 1480, targets the mid-range market, showing Samsung’s intent to bring One UI 7.0 across price tiers. The Tab S10 Plus and Ultra tablets appeal to productivity-focused users with larger displays.

If the Galaxy S22 series officially joins the beta, it could boost the perceived value of these devices, especially amid stiff competition in the Android smartphone space.

What users can expect from the beta

Joining the One UI 7.0 beta program lets users try out features ahead of the official release, though it comes with caveats. Enrollment is handled via the Samsung Members app, with updates delivered over-the-air. As a test version, however, issues like crashes or bugs may arise, requiring patience from participants.

For Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 owners, the beta is imminent, offering optimizations tailored to foldable screens. On the S23 lineup and A55, enhancements will likely center on performance and usability. Should the Galaxy S22 join, users can expect:

  • A refreshed interface with smoother animations.
  • AI tools for writing and photo editing.
  • Battery management and security upgrades.
  • Multitasking improvements on supported models.

The experience may differ based on each device’s hardware, but the goal is a cohesive update across Samsung’s ecosystem.

Delays and rumors about One UI’s future

The One UI 7.0 development process has faced hurdles, leading to notable delays. While Google released Android 15 in October last year, Samsung only kicked off the beta in December, starting with the Galaxy S24. This gap drew criticism from users, particularly those with pricier models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which retails for about $2,200 in Brazil.

Recent rumors suggest Samsung scrapped plans for One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1, intermediate updates that typically bring refinements and new features. The focus may have shifted to One UI 8.0, based on Android 16, slated for 2025. This could explain the extra care with the current version, which needs to be robust enough to carry devices forward.

Expanding the beta to more models, potentially including the Galaxy S22, might be a way to ease user frustrations and ensure the stable release meets expectations.

Preparing for the stable release in April

With the beta underway, Samsung is using the coming weeks to gather data and fix reported issues. The Galaxy S24 lineup, now on its fifth beta version, will lead the stable rollout in April. For other devices like the Galaxy S23, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and A55, the rollout should follow throughout the month, possibly including the Galaxy S22.

Samsung also upholds its long-term update commitment. Models like the Galaxy S24 and 2024 foldables come with seven years of software support, covering system updates and security patches. For the S22 series, promised four years of updates, One UI 7.0 could be among the last major releases, making its beta inclusion significant.

The beta’s arrival on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 this Thursday marks the start of an intensive testing phase that will shape the final One UI 7.0 experience for millions of users.

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