Samsung appears to be on the verge of catching up with Google's Pixel update pace, which will undoubtedly please Galaxy owners, as per a report from Android Central.
- According to firmware build leaks, Samsung's One UI 8.5 update is based on Android 16 QPR2, implying that the South Korean brand may be adopting Google's quarterly release schedule to deliver features to Galaxy devices more quickly.
- This move enables Galaxy phones to receive important Android features on a quarterly basis rather than just once a year for each major release.
To date, Samsung has not matched Google's frequency of Android software updates, leaving owners of its handsets, such as the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, trailing their Pixel counterparts.
- Samsung has a tendency to combine quarterly platform updates into the next major Android release, delaying features for months in favor of a larger annual update.
- Applying Google's Trunk Stable model may allow Samsung to provide more timely updates.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy, this could be very good news because you'll get new features and security updates faster.
- It means having access to interface improvements, media enhancements (AAudio APIs, HDR/SDR brightness slider, personal audio sharing), and improved privacy protection before you've even used it.
While this report should be taken with a grain of salt because Samsung has yet to confirm details about the One UI 8.5 update, the signs are looking good for Galaxy owners. We will have to wait and see what announcements are made in the coming weeks.
- One UI 8.5 may include a feature to protect sensitive data in shared images.
- The update may enhance flashlight functionality and provide AI-powered notifications.
