Samsung’s One UI 7 Update Faces Race Against Time | Image Source: www.forbes.com
SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 - Samsung is downloading the One UI 7, an Android 15-based software version that introduces a series of AI-driven features and a redesigned user experience. But despite the promise of smarter tools and better customization, the output was not without its claws. From stagnant release calendar to cyber security deadlines, Samsung’s update trip is a mixed bag of progress and pressure.
According to Samsung Electronics Singapore, the One UI 7 update will officially start on April 7 around the world, with the United States scheduled to follow on April 10. Singapore Galaxy users will receive the update from April 14. The release was first introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, and now extends to more than 34 models, including headphones, folds and tablets, some of which had been waiting in beta for a long time, according to sources such as Android Central and 9to5Google.
Which Galaxy devices can be updated?
Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 will come to an extended list of devices. Initially, Galaxy S24, S23 and the last folds were guaranteed. Now, according to Samsung Newsroom Singapore, 15 more devices have been added, bringing the total to 34. This extension includes old models such as Galaxy S22 and S21 series, as well as several iterations from Galaxy Z Fold and Flip. Here is a snapshot of the new devices:
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Samsung’s drive to support older models highlights a key point: it wants to avoid fragmentation that once afflicted with Android updates. However, the success of this effort depends not only on deployment numbers, but also on timing and execution.
What’s up in One UI 7?
What is packed in this update? One UI 7 offers a simplified and customizable user experience. According to the company, the interface is now “simple, impacting and emotional”, which may seem abstract, but essentially means that users can easily customize their devices. The redesigned widgets, a redesigned start screen and the new Now bar on the lock screen are designed to make daily interactions more harmonious.
On the AI front, Samsung makes all the stops. Functions like AI Select and write Assist seek to simplify tasks that have been used to take several steps. For example, you can now convert a video segment to a GIF using only a swipe. Drawing aid allows creative input through text notices or sketches, while Audio Erasmus gives users control over unwanted background noise in their videos.
Google Gemini AI also plays a role, allowing users to access contextual recommendations through long lateral pressure. The search for natural language was also extended to the configuration, performing worldly tasks such as adjusting the brightness of the screen or allowing more conversational blue light filters. According to 9to5Google, these changes are not only cosmetic, but are rooted in function.
When and where will the update be available?
Start-up starts in phases. As Samsung said, the Galaxy S24 series will be the first to receive One UI 7 from April 7 in the world, with April 10 attributed to American devices. In Singapore, the update begins on April 14. However, the exact dates may vary depending on the region and the device model, a common warning on Android Earth.
However, the timetable is already under discussion. Forbes reported that Samsung is supporting a deadline of April 7, not only for software updates, but also for critical security fixes. The company is under pressure from federal cybersecurity agencies in the United States to meet a March 25 deadline, which is unlikely through the board of directors.
What about security issues and critical vulnerabilities?
That’s where things get sticky. While Samsung is marketing One UI 7 as a security update, it came under fire for lack of a key patch. According to Forbes, a vulnerability of the Linux kernel (CVE-2024-50302) is currently exploited in nature. This vulnerability can allow the extraction of physical data from devices, a serious risk highlighted by Amnesty International, following a forensic attack on the Samsung phone by a Serbian activist.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has instructed all federal employees to update their phones before March 25 or to stop using them completely. It’s a difficult time, and unless Samsung has a patch out of the cycle, she’ll lose it. This situation illustrates the drawback of Samsung’s complex update logistics – unlike Apple or Google, Samsung does not fully control its software pipe, often relying on carrier approvals and region-specific deployments.
Why does the update take so long?
The road to One IU 7 was long and a little moving. While the Galaxy S25 was sent with Android 15 and One UI 7, the oldest models were trapped in the beta limbo. According to Android Central, delays affected not only users’ patience, but also the credibility of Samsung’s broader software. Some aircraft have been waiting for stable construction for months. Others, particularly in the folding category, did not benefit from a uniform update.
This delay is not only a technical problem – it is a question of reputation. As Samsung competes in the premium phone market, especially against Apple, fast and secure updates are crucial. The more users wait, the more they question the reliability of their expensive devices. And with Android 16 already imminent on the horizon, attention starts to change to One UI 8 even before the current release is complete.
What should Galaxy users do now?
If you are a Galaxy user, the most important action is to keep an eye on the update section of your device’s software. Enable automatic updates if you have not done so. In addition, check official updates to Samsung Newsroom or community forums for region-specific launch news. Do not wait the last minute to install a security patch, especially given current vulnerabilities.
For users of the fence on the installation of One UI 7: Yes, it is worth it. Beyond striking features, the update includes better security, smarter tools and better performance. According to Android Central, even skeptics of Samsung’s AI approach have found new features to be useful, not gimmicky.
Q: Is One UI 7 just a rebranded Android 15?
A: Not exactly. Although built on Android 15, Samsung layers its own features and design changes through One UI. Think of it as Android 15 with a Samsung spin – including IA tools, widget updates, and deeper integration of Google Gemini.
Q: Will all the AI features be available on my phone?
A: Probably not. Features such as Drawing Assist and Erasmus Audio are limited to new models such as Galaxy S24 and S23 series, as well as the latest folds and tablets. See Samsung’s availability notes for more details.
Q: What’s the deal with the security patch deadline?
A: CISA has set a March 25 update deadline for federal employees due to a severe vulnerability of the Linux kernel. Samsung has not yet confirmed whether to release a solution by then, making the deadline very tight for many users.
Q: When will I get the update in the U.S.?
A: Samsung says April 10, but it may vary according to your carrier and model. The Galaxy S24 series is first online, followed by the S23, folds and tablets.
One UI 7 is a big leap forward for Samsung software, especially for users who value AI productivity tools and a cleaner interface. But time is all – and the current deployment strategy, though ambitious, is also full of delays and growing security concerns.
Samsung is now facing a critical moment. Will it be able to meet its own deadlines, meet the growing expectations of users and maintain its competitive advantage? Only time - and timely updates - will tell.
