Samsung’s Android 16 Update Schedule for Galaxy Devices
▼ Summary
– Samsung began rolling out Android 16 with One UI 8 to Galaxy devices starting September 15, 2025, with updates continuing through November.
– The update is primarily a functional upgrade with new features and refinements rather than a major design overhaul on Galaxy devices.
– The Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Galaxy S25 FE, and Galaxy Tab S11 series are among the first devices to receive or ship with the update.
– Samsung has expanded the rollout to include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and select Galaxy A series and Tab S10 devices ahead of schedule.
– Dozens more Galaxy devices are scheduled to receive Android 16 in the coming months, with the list being updated regularly as rollouts progress.
Samsung has officially commenced the global distribution of its Android 16 update for Galaxy smartphones and tablets, with a deployment timeline extending through November. This guide outlines the expected availability for various Galaxy models and identifies which devices are already receiving the new software.
For Samsung Galaxy users, Android 16 introduces a different experience compared to Google’s Pixel lineup. While Pixel devices showcase the fresh Material 3 Expressive design, Galaxy devices see more incremental changes. This is primarily because the recent One UI 7 already delivered a significant visual overhaul. Consequently, One UI 8 focuses on functional enhancements and refinements rather than a complete stylistic transformation.
Several notable improvements are part of this update. Users can expect a more intuitive quick panel layout, additional customization options for the lock screen, and upgraded battery protection features. An improved copy and paste function between apps and a more robust maintenance mode for device security are also included. The overall interface, however, will retain a familiar feel for those accustomed to One UI 7.
The stable version of One UI 8, built on Android 16, began its rollout on September 15, 2025. The update is currently available for the Galaxy S25 series worldwide and comes pre-installed on the new Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy S25 FE, and the Galaxy Tab S11 series. This list is dynamic and will be frequently updated in the coming months.
Regarding Galaxy S models, the rollout started in September with the global release for the entire Galaxy S25 lineup. The Galaxy S25 FE also ships with the software directly from the factory. Ahead of projections, Samsung has already provided stable One UI 8 updates for the full Galaxy S24 series.
In the foldable category, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are the only models that include One UI 8 pre-loaded. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 have also been updated sooner than anticipated, though availability is currently limited to specific markets. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 received their updates shortly after. Remaining Galaxy foldable devices are scheduled to get the update throughout October and November.
For tablets, the new Galaxy Tab S11 series is equipped with Android 16 out of the box. The update began expanding to other models at the end of September, starting predictably with the Galaxy Tab S10 series. More Galaxy tablets will follow in the subsequent months.
The Galaxy A series began its update journey with the Galaxy A56. The Galaxy A36 was updated closely behind in September, followed by the Galaxy A55 and then the Galaxy A26 in October.
Samsung has confirmed that dozens of other Galaxy devices will be upgraded to Android 16 in the near future, but a definitive, comprehensive schedule is not yet public. The list above will be maintained and revised as new rollout information is released. Presently, Samsung has only provided confirmation for devices scheduled for updates in October and November; additional dates will be incorporated as they are announced.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
