What’s happened? In a move which will likely delight Galaxy owners, it appears Samsung could be about to close the gap with Google’s Pixel update pace based on the a report from Android Central.
- Leaks of a firmware build suggest Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update has Android 16 QPR2 as its version, which means the South Korean brand could be adopting Google’s quarterly release schedule to deliver features quicker to Galaxy devices.
- This move allows Galaxy phones to get the important Android features on a quarterly schedule instead of just once every year for every significant release.
Why is it important? To date, Samsung has not matched Google’s frequency when it comes to Android software updates, leaving owners of its handsets – such as the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 – languishing behind their Pixel counterparts.
- Samsung has tended to lump quarterly platform updates into the next big Android release, holding features up for months in favor on a larger annual update.
- By following Google’s Trunk Stable model, Samsung might be able to deliver more timely updates.
Why should I care? If you’re a Samsung Galaxy owner, this is potentially very good news, as you’ll get new features and security patches faster.
- It means access to interface enhancements, media enhancements (AAudio APIs, HDR/SDR brightness slider, personal audio sharing), and better privacy protection sooner than you’ve been used it.
What’s next? While this report needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as Samsung hasn’t confirmed details on the One UI 8.5 update, the signs are looking positive for Galaxy owners. We will have to wait and see what’s announced in the coming weeks.
- One UI 8.5 is rumored to offer a feature which can protect sensitive data in the images you share.
- The update might also improve flashlight functionality, and give notifications an AI makeover.
