Samsung is behind the scenes preparing the distribution of the first One UI 4 Beta based on the new Android 12 for the Galaxy S21 series. In the Korean community of the manufacturer, a banner indicates the imminent availability of the first release. Samsung does not yet participate in Google's beta program for Android 12.
Starting with the availability in South Korea, users of the Samsung Members App will soon be able to test the first One UI 4 Beta based on Android 12 on their Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 + and Galaxy S21 Ultra (test). As can be seen from the post and banner of an official community manager in the manufacturer's Korean forum, a note on availability can be expected soon.
Samsung starts its own beta program
The public beta program is open to registered users of a Galaxy S21 series smartphone that was purchased from a mobile operator or in the open market without a contract. While Google itself is already distributing Beta 3.1 of Android 12 to Pixel smartphones and other manufacturers such as Asus, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, TCL, Vivo, Xiaomi and ZTE are also participating in Google's beta program, Samsung is not involved , but is preparing its own beta again, as major changes to the operating system are to be expected with One UI 4.
The flagships come first
The availability of the One UI 4 Beta is similar to that of One UI 3 a year ago. The company's own user interface based on Android 11 was initially available in Korea in August before the beta program was expanded to other countries, including Germany. The final One UI 3 was finally available in early December 2020 for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 + and Galaxy S20 Ultra, before a few weeks later the entire Galaxy Note 20 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 (test), the Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold and the entire Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 series followed. The smaller series followed in the first half of 2021.
Three Android versions for smartphones and tablets
With One UI 4, it can be assumed that this will be available for many Samsung smartphones and tablets. Since August of last year, Samsung has been guaranteeing three Android versions as updates for practically all devices down to the Galaxy A series and, since February of this year, has also been guaranteeing security updates for at least four years.