Samsung’s One UI update for Android 12 is ready for testing

Samsung's I UI update for Android 12 is ready for testing

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs. Galaxy S21 Ultra

(Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

With Android 12 evolution nearing the finish line, it's time for Android phone makers to go their own takes on the phone software set for the large update. And it sounds like Samsung is getting a jump on the process.

Samsung today (Sept. thirteen) appear that it's going to launch a beta program of One UI 4, the new version of its user interface based on Android 12. Galaxy S21 users in select markets — including the U.Due south. — will have the chance to register for the beta program using the Samsung Members app on their phone. Enrollment kicks off tomorrow (Sept. xiv).

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The timing probably isn't coincidental. Samsung is launching its One UI 4 beta programme on the same day Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 13 while as well prepping for iOS 15's release. A new beta program isn't going to overshadow Apple's big solar day, but it does give Samsung Milky way S21 users a software update of their ain to track.

Previous Ane UI beta programs have gotten underway in October usually, and then this is definitely an before launch than usual for Samsung. There'due south no word on whether that means the user interface volition be ready before than normal, bringing Android 12 to Samsung device owners. Typically, Samsung flagships start to go the new version of Ane Ui around the end of the twelvemonth.

Introduced for the get-go fourth dimension three years ago, One UI is Samsung'south have on Android. The interface is marked past rounded icons and a streamlined interface aimed at making it easier to use larger phones with ane hand.

This version of One UI draws heavily on Android 12 for its features — or at to the lowest degree, for the features Samsung is talking about at this point. Samsung promises more than theme options for adjusting your device's look, along with tools for configuring the home screen, icons, notifications and wallpapers on your phone. I UI iv is also focusing on upgrading widgets for greater customization also. And or course, expect a lot of emjois to be added in this update.

In improver, Samsung is touting new privacy features in One UI iv such as indicator alerts when apps are using the microphone or camera on your phone. Ane UI 4 besides extends permission options to show history upward to seven days instead of just 24 hours.

Android 12 is currently in beta, though the fifth and concluding version has come up out. That signifies a launch is virtually, and a new written report claims Android 12 will be released on Oct. 4. Highlights of the release include a new Cloth You design, improvements to Quick Settings, and the same Widgets enhancements.

Editors' Annotation: Updated at 9:29 p.m. ET to add more data most 1 UI 4.

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Philip Michaels is a senior editor at Tom'south Guide. He has potent opinions well-nigh Apple, the Oakland Athletics and onetime movies. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.