Samsung will launch the Galaxy S23 series in a couple of weeks with One UI 5.1 onboard. Based on Android 13, it’s a minor upgrade from the current version One UI 5.0. As usual, the new version will reach some older Galaxy flagships a few weeks after the Galaxy S23 lineup is official, which happens on February 1. Meanwhile, the company may have just inadvertently confirmed which flagship models will get the One UI 5.1 update.
Samsung recently released an update for the Galaxy Watch 5 series. It added zoom functionality to the Camera Controller app, something the company had already announced. However, the changelog noted that the new feature will only be available for connected Galaxy smartphones running One UI 5.1 or higher. But that isn’t it. Samsung even said that flagship models released after the Galaxy S20 series or the Galaxy Z Flip will get the camera zoom functionality on the Galaxy Watch 5.
This essentially confirms that all Galaxy flagships launched in 2020 and beyond will get One UI 5.1. We are looking at the Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Z Fold 4. Unfortunately, we still don’t know when the rollout will begin. The Galaxy S23 series is expected to arrive in stores in mid-February. One UI 5.1 update may reach a few Galaxy models by the end of next month.
The One UI 5.1 update should reach some Galaxy tablets as well
If history is any indication, newer models like the Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 should get priority for this update. Samsung has been testing One UI 5.1 for these devices for some time now. But that said, One UI 5.1 is also in testing for the Galaxy S20 series. So you never know. Rest assured, we will let you know when the updates start arriving. Recent Galaxy tablets and a few premium mid-range smartphones may also get One UI 5.1. At least, some of the new features should trickle down to those devices even if the One UI version remains unchanged.
Speaking of new features, it is not quite clear what One UI 5.1 will bring to the table. Samsung previously hinted that this update will add more customization options to Galaxy devices. We may get to learn more about the new One UI version closer to the Galaxy S23 launch early next month. If you’re interested in the new Samsung flagships, you can reserve a unit now and get up to $100 in Samsung Credit.