In recent years, Samsung has always been at the forefront when it comes to the rapid distribution of new updates. Android 14 and its predecessors always reached the Korean manufacturer’s numerous models before the end of the year. The release of Android 15 was originally planned for 2024.
However, Samsung then announced a months-long delay back in October. Four months have passed since this statement, and even after Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S25 smartphones with Android 15, existing devices have gone without. Has Samsung quietly canceled the update altogether?
Where is Android 15?
In an interview published by Samsung in Indonesia, the company’s head of software explained the reasons for the delays. One UI 7 and Android 15 represent the biggest updates in many years and have been in development for close to two years. In addition to Android 15, which only brings a few new functions, Samsung’s own One UI user interface in version 7 will contain numerous new features.
The new Samsung Galaxy S25 series, which is already equipped with One UI 7, shows these new innovations and features. Samsung has combined its own voice assistant, Bixby, with Google’s Gemini AI, enabling AI functions to work seamlessly across Google and Samsung apps.
The interview does, unfortunately, not reveal which new features will make their way to older devices via the update. However, the head of software points out that new AI features require modern hardware in order to work properly.
Some functions may, therefore, only be available on selected smartphones. In particular, we only expect the new Bixby on the Galaxy S24 series and some foldable models. However, older and cheaper smartphones can at least look forward to functions such as “Circle to Search”.
Is Samsung skipping the update entirely?
Now that the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is on the market along with Android 15, the update should also be on its way for older devices. However, it is surprising that a beta version for developers is only available for the Galaxy S24 series thus far. And even here, its release is not imminent.
According to SamMobile, three more test versions are planned. These are to be released in February, March, and April. A future release, at least for the Galaxy S24 series, would therefore be expected in May at the earliest.
Google, on the other hand, is changing the release rhythm of Android this year. Instead of a new version in late summer, new Android versions will be released in the second quarter. Another minor update will then follow in the fourth quarter. This means that Android 16 will be available in June 2025 at the latest. It is, therefore, conceivable that Samsung could skip the update to Android 15 entirely and instead offer Android 16. At least on most of its smartphones.
Are you looking forward to the release of Android 15? Do you think Samsung may skip this version altogether? Let us know in the comments below!
