Samsung News is getting updated with support for short videos alongside premium publishers in the US. With these updates, the company’s news aggregator app is taking the traditional reading experience to the next level.

Now, Samsung News will offer short videos and content from credible publishers in the US. The update is now rolling out across devices, bringing a mix of premium journalism and quick-hit video content into one streamlined feed.

Short videos

A new short-form video carousel now sits inside the app, serving up bite-sized clips across categories like news, sports, finance, lifestyle, and entertainment.

The initial lineup includes content from outlets like ABC News, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, EatingWell, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. These clips are curated by Samsung’s editorial team, not just pulled in randomly.

Premium publishers

Samsung is doubling down on trusted, mainstream publishers to make its curated feed more credible and useful.

Users will now see content from names like ABC News, USA TODAY, The Washington Post, and PEOPLE integrated directly into Samsung News.

Sports and finance coverage is powered by Yahoo Media Group, which fills in the gaps with real-time updates and broader coverage.

The curation feels tighter, and the sources are the kind you would actually trust for daily updates. It is also a smart move for users who do not want to juggle multiple apps.

“Galaxy users consume news in different ways, whether it’s through quick video updates or in-depth reporting,” said Maya Harris, VP & Head of Strategic Partnerships for Samsung’s TV & Mobile Services. “We’re continuing to evolve Samsung News to meet those needs, with more formats, more trusted sources and a personalized experience that puts the day’s most important stories front and center.”

Related article:

• Samsung News introduces short-form video in the US and UK

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Samsung is delivering faster bi-monthly software updates to its Galaxy A-series phones. In most cases, the company is offering more security patches than scheduled, and that’s all happening without any flashy press release.

Samsung’s software update story has been easy to praise at the flagship level. Monthly patches, long-term support, tight rollout windows. That’s expected now. What’s not expected is what’s quietly happening in the mid-range segment.

Quarterly promise, bi-monthly reality

Most mid-range Galaxy A devices sit on a quarterly update schedule. That means one security patch every three months. It’s a clear downgrade compared to the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z lines, and even the A5x models that enjoy monthly updates.

A recent analysis of Galaxy A devices launched since 2022 shows that many of these phones are getting updates roughly every two months. In some cases, even more frequently, which puts them much closer to a bi-monthly frequency.

Devices like the A33, A34, A35, and even the newer A36 are leading this trend. The Galaxy A36, in particular, stands out as it received eight updates since launch, which is double what you would expect if Samsung followed its schedule.

Galaxy A13 5G and Galaxy A23 are closer to the promised update frequency, though they still edge slightly above expectations. On the flip side, the Galaxy A14 4G had a rough patch, especially during early 2025 when updates lagged.

So yes, there are inconsistencies, but Samsung is over-delivering more often than not. It’s a rare win for users who don’t spend flagship money.

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April 2026’s Play system update has just started rolling out to Samsung phones and Google has now published the content of the May 2026 version.

Google’s early May 2026 updates for Play services and the Play Store are fairly minor but still add a few useful touches.

Google Play system update –  May 2026

With Google Play services v26.17, the most notable change is a new warning screen that appears when signing in with a Dasher account on Android desktop devices.

Developers also get a fresh set of tools across Auto, PC, phones, TVs, and Wear OS to better support utility-related features in their apps. Meanwhile, Google Wallet quietly gets bug fixes to improve reliability.

On the Play Store side (v51.3), Google is making its Sidekick feature easier to access by letting users open it directly from the notification drawer.

There’s also a small but meaningful expansion for gamers, who can now ask questions and share tips in more languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

This is not the end of the content that the May 2026 update will bring to the users. Google will continue to update its release page with fresh content. As for the rollout, there’s no tentative timeline as these updates work differently.

Samsung users can expect the May Play system update by the end of the month or early next month. If you’re on One UI 8.5 Beta, your device may struggle to fetch new releases as Beta firmware breaks compatibility.

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Google is upgrading the Gemini app on Android with a design refresh and model picker. It follows the recent distribution on the iOS channel. There’s a mixed reaction from users after seeing the visuals available on X.

Model picker

Gemini app’s header now features a model picker with a drop-down button. Hitting the arrow would present the available models to users. It expands the app’s usability while making it easier to change the execution mechanism.

Design refresh

Gemini’s various buttons are getting a subtle tweak in order to increase visibility. The hamburger menu stays separate on the left, while the right side has three buttons together, including:

1. New chat
2. Share conversation
3. More (expand options)

These new design tweaks don’t just make Gemini visually appealing, but also enhance the overall experience. The conversation section is also seeing application of subtle colorways in both light and dark modes.

The rollout may be sequential, and you may receive it days later. Keep the Gemini app updated to the latest version alongside the main Google app and the phone’s Google Play system update.

It can also be a server-side rollout, which means users may not see the new design on the latest version. In that case, waiting for the expansion is the only option left as Google maintains a phased rollout rather than broader.

Source – AssembleDebug /X

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Samsung has finally expanded the second April 2026 update to the Galaxy S26 series, which brings 24MP camera improvement for the Ultra model.

A couple of days ago, Samsung started the rollout of the second April firmware in South Korea. It followed the release in the US, but the Korean build included fixes for the close-up camera problems tied to 24MP mode.

Now, users of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are getting a camera improvement that refines the 24MP mode experience. It’s coming as part of another incremental update carrying the April patch, despite releasing in May 2026.

Users reported camera behaviour problems while capturing 24MP shots. The processed image was getting cropped from one side. The preview was optimal, but the bug in processing caused the final image to be broken.

Samsung faced countless reports in its community and online forums. One UI staff acted swiftly and prepared the fix on an immediate note. Now, the rollout is expanding to more regions, with European users getting it today, via TarunVats.

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are also receiving the 2nd April update, but the 24MP camera is limited to the Ultra version. Still, the firmware is expected to improve the overall camera experience on the latest Samsung flagship phones.

The firmware AZDE is available across European countries, with a Global expansion likely soon. To get the latest update, head over to the system Settings, followed by Software update page and hit Download and install.

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Samsung is working on One UI 9 and the firmware also features visuals of the upcoming foldable phones: Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide.

The new foldable phones are reportedly being unveiled on July 22 in London. Earlier, we’ve seen their potential design in leaked CAD renders. Now, the One UI 9 software itself revealed the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold8 Wide.

The pictures surfaced in One UI 9 look familiar to the leaked renders. The appearance of the devices confirms their monikers, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (codenamed Q8) and Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide (codenamed H8).

Galaxy Z Fold 8 looks identical to its predecessor. We may see upgrades in build quality, screen crease, and hinge technology. Major aspects, such as thickness and weight, would also see a slight generational improvement.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide comes with a camera design familiar to the S25 Edge. It has a dual camera setup on the back, surrounded by a camera bump. The LED flashlight isn’t shown in the visuals, but they were in CAD renders.

Image – Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold8 Wide spotted in One UI 9

Samsung is also working on the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The next clamshell foldable phone may be almost the same as its predecessor. However, the device may use a new hinge technology for better durability and crease resistance.

The Fold 8 and Flip 8 will succeed their predecessors and continue the portfolio. Meanwhile, the Fold8 Wide is coming to compete with Apple’s first foldable. The form factor is like a passport to deliver more practical usability.

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Samsung could produce iPhone processors as Apple quietly explores alternatives to TSMC amid supply chain risks and geopolitical shifts reshaping its chip strategy.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has held early discussions with both Samsung Electronics and Intel about manufacturing the processors that power the iPhone.

For years, TSMC has been Apple’s undisputed partner for advanced chips. That relationship still stands strong, yet it also represents a single point of failure.

Geopolitical tensions around Taiwan, combined with periodic capacity crunches, have turned that reliance into a strategic risk. Apple felt it recently; supply constraints limited iPhone shipments, and even Tim Cook acknowledged the pressure.

Apple executives have reportedly visited Samsung’s upcoming fab in Taylor, Texas. A US-based production line offers geographic diversification, something Apple has been steadily pushing across its entire supply chain.

Samsung moved early to Gate-All-Around transistor architecture at the 3nm node, and is pushing further toward 2nm. On paper, that is a meaningful leap over the FinFET approach still used elsewhere.

Samsung has struggled with yields, and that gap has kept Apple firmly tied to TSMC so far. If the Korean company can stabilize production at scale, GAA could become the hook Apple needs to justify a split strategy.

Intel, meanwhile, represents a different kind of gamble. Its foundry ambitions are growing, but it is still playing catch-up in the ultra-advanced node race.

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Apple’s iPhone 17 series led the worldwide smartphone sales in Q1 2026 as the Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed entry in the top 10 chart.

iPhone 17 captured 6 percent of global unit sales to become the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026. Apple seized four spots, Samsung dominated with five, with one going to Xiaomi for its entry level smartphone.

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro were the top 3 best-selling phones in Q1 2026. Samsung dominated the top 10 chart with the highest five entries, but no flagship was included.

Galaxy A07 4G, Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A17 4G were the five entries from Samsung world. Xiaomi’s Redmi also managed to enter the list, though in the 10th spot, due to its Redmi 5 phone.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is selling better than its predecessor. Still, none of the flagship models were able to make an entry into the top 10. The reason is the launch window, which favored Apple in the first quarter.

Galaxy S26 series was launched in late February, and worldwide sales began in the second week of March 2026. The first quarter ended on March 31, leaving no significant timespan for the Samsung flagships to sell at scale.

The chart of the second quarter should include at least one model from the Galaxy S26 series. Apple has historically dominated the best-selling segment. Meanwhile, Samsung leads the charge of keeping Android relevant.

Galaxy A07 4G from Samsung was the world’s best-selling Android phone in the first quarter. The device received high contribution from emerging regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Commenting on outlook, Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan said, “Looking ahead to 2026, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. The anticipated market decline is likely to impact mass-market segments more significantly, while high-end smartphones continue to gain share. In response, OEMs are shifting focus toward premium portfolios, prioritizing value over volume.”

Image – Q1 2026 Top 10 Best Selling Phones | Source – Counterpoint Research

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Samsung phones have started receiving the April 2026 Google Play system update. The sequential rollout began for a wide range of Galaxy devices, including phones, foldable models, and tablets.

The latest Google Play system update, hitting Samsung phones install the April 2026 version (via Kailash). This release elevates the core Android experience, thanks to its broad range of content and enhancements.

Here’s what actually matters in April’s Google Play system updates if you’re using a Samsung phone:

Google is quietly laying the groundwork for smoother sign-ins and device setup. Transferring your data from an old phone should feel quicker and less clunky now, especially when moving accounts and settings.

The Play Store is seeing some practical improvements. You’ll now spot clearer content ratings with an additional view, which makes it easier to judge apps before installing. There’s also a new badge for apps optimized for large screens.

Subscriptions are more transparent, too, since you can now see the plans inside app reviews. Some app install prompts will no longer throw you into the Play Store unexpectedly, which should make the experience feel less disruptive.

On the Wallet side, there are a few subtle but useful tweaks. There’s a redesigned interface focused on quicker access and better discovery, along with more control over how your passes interact with other Google services like Autofill.

Location accuracy has been improved, which should benefit everything from Maps to weather apps. Security and privacy updates are, as usual, baked in. WebView and Play services updates bring ongoing fixes and protections.

Lastly, there are a bunch of under-the-hood improvements. Device connectivity, system performance, and stability have all been tuned across phones, wearables, TVs, and even cars.

Overall, this isn’t a headline-grabbing update, but it’s a meaningful one.

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At Display Week 2026, Samsung Display pulled the wraps off its new Flex Chroma Pixel OLED, a smartphone panel that pushes brightness to 3,000 nits while dramatically improving color accuracy.

If this display technology makes its way into upcoming Galaxy flagships, we’re looking at a serious leap in outdoor visibility and true-to-life visuals.

The headline number is that 3,000 nits peak brightness in High Brightness Mode. Samsung is pairing that with BT.2020-96 color gamut coverage, which is where things get interesting.

BT.2020 is the gold standard for color in UHD and HDR content. It covers a much wider range than the DCI-P3 space used in most smartphones today, roughly 1.7 times broader.

Most phone displays only hit around 70 percent of that range, whereas Samsung’s Flex Chroma Pixel jumps to 96 percent, which is a massive jump.

Inside Samsung’s Flex Chroma Pixel

Samsung Display is using a new material approach called phosphorescent sensitized fluorescence, or PSF. This helps improve how OLED pixels emit light, leading to better color purity without sacrificing efficiency.

Then there’s LEAD, Samsung’s proprietary polarizer-free OLED tech. Some recent panels have boosted color accuracy, but at the cost of peak brightness.

Samsung is claiming it doesn’t have to make that trade-off anymore. With LEAD, the panel maintains high brightness, wide color gamut, and long lifespan all at once.

This is exactly the kind of tech that tends to trickle down into Galaxy S and Galaxy Z devices over time. It might not land immediately in the next release cycle, but the direction is clear.

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Starting May 4 through July 19, 2026, Samsung is offering a free Withings Body Smart scale to customers who buy a full-priced Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Galaxy Watch 8, or even the older Watch 7.

Samsung has quietly rolled out one of its more practical bundle deals in recent months, and it is clearly aimed at people who take health tracking seriously.

If you are planning to pick up a new Galaxy Watch, there is now a solid extra waiting on the other side of checkout. You have to buy directly from Samsung, as this is not something you will find at Amazon or carrier stores.

The Withings scale retails for about $130, which makes this more than just a token freebie. For those on the fence, that extra piece of hardware might be enough to tip the decision.

The Galaxy Watch already tracks heart rate, sleep, activity, and more through Samsung Health. What it cannot do on its own is measure body composition in detail at home. That is where the Withings scale fills the gap.

Withings scale tracks body fat, muscle mass, weight, and even visceral fat. When you combine that data with what the watch collects throughout the day, the result is a much clearer picture of your overall health.

There is a small delay in how you receive the freebie.

Samsung will email a redemption code around 15 days after your watch is delivered, once the return window has passed. You then use that code on Withings’ website to claim the scale.

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Samsung has acknowledged a bug in its One Hand Operation + app that breaks gesture input after taking screenshots. A fix is already in the works and will arrive via an upcoming app update.

The issue surfaced on Samsung’s Korean community forums (via MojoTrick), where users reported that custom gestures stop responding immediately after a screen capture.

For context, One Hand Operation + is part of Samsung’s Good Lock suite. The app expands One UI navigation with edge-based gesture controls, allowing users to assign shortcuts for back, recent apps, quick tools, and more.

The problem is specific but disruptive. After taking a screenshot, gesture inputs configured through One Hand Operation + freeze. Swipes from the screen edges fail to trigger any assigned actions.

The rest of the system remains functional, but gesture-based navigation effectively stops working until the UI resets or the app recovers. For users who rely on these gestures daily, it breaks core usability.

A Samsung Community moderator has confirmed the root cause.

According to the official response, the issue is tied to how the app handles “gesture handles” during screen capture. When a color is assigned to these handles, the system hides them to prevent them from appearing in screenshots.

That behavior is currently flawed, causing the handles to disappear in a way that also disables gesture detection. There is no exact release date yet, but the fix is expected in the next software rollout for One Hand Operation +.

The moderator added that Samsung is reviewing a change to make these handles transparent instead of hidden, which should resolve the UX bug without interfering with screenshots.

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Samsung has announced that it is celebrating the 2026 version of Star Wars Day by bringing 8 new Star Wars artworks to the Samsung Art Store for its Art TVs.

This “May the 4th” celebration is a collaboration between Samsung and Disney, which helped to curate some of the most iconic characters and scenes from the movie series. It also expands Disney’s existing collection of artworks on the Art Store.

Here’s how Samsung described the 8 new Star Wars artworks entering the Art TVs:

“It highlights memorable moments from across the Star Wars saga on Samsung Art TVs, from Jedi Master Yoda igniting his lightsaber to confront Darth Sidious, to C-3PO and R2-D2 traveling to the palace of Jabba the Hutt. With these additions, the Samsung Art Store now features 28 Star Wars artworks, offering a broader selection of scenes and characters to explore.”

These artworks are available to download from the Art Store starting today.

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Samsung might finally be waking up, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra tipped to bring back variable aperture on its rumored 200MP camera.

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is reportedly bringing variable aperture back, paired with a 200MP sensor. Not just any sensor, but likely the ISOCELL HP6, as per Weibo leaker SmartPikachu reported.

Variable aperture paired with a refined 200MP sensor and LOFIC could finally move the conversation beyond megapixels. Better low light, more natural bokeh, and cleaner HDR; real flexibility instead of computational guesswork.

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus had a dual aperture system that could physically switch between f1.5 and f2.4. Meanwhile, the company quietly dropped it, chased megapixels like everyone else, and now suddenly, it’s cool again.

Let’s be honest, 200MP stopped being exciting a while ago. It’s marketing at this point; pixel binning does the real work, and most people end up with 12MP shots anyway.

LOFIC tech to join variable aperture

Samsung’s LOFIC tech, short for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, is the real story here. It allows the sensor to handle high dynamic range in a single exposure by storing excess charge from bright areas separately.

Now combine that with variable aperture. You’re not just relying on software anymore. You are physically controlling how much light hits the sensor.

For years, Samsung had the tech. It built it first. Then it walked away. And suddenly, with rumors heating up around the iPhone 18 potentially adopting variable aperture, Samsung is back on board.

Samsung leads, then drifts, then snaps back the moment Apple shows interest. We’ve seen this pattern before. And it’s frustrating, because Samsung doesn’t need validation. It has already proved this concept works.

If Samsung executes this properly, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could be more than just another spec monster.

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Samsung family has now fully settled the $8 billion inheritance tax tied to the estate of late Chairman Lee Kun-hee, wrapping up a multi-year obligation that reshaped both the company’s leadership era and its public image.

Roughly 12 trillion won, or about $8 billion, has been paid over five years through six installments. The process began in 2021 and quietly concluded this year. The amount is about 50 percent higher than Korea’s entire inheritance tax revenue in 2024.

The payments were handled by the late chairman’s immediate family, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, along with Hong Ra-hee, Lee Boo-jin, and Lee Seo-hyun.

For Samsung, this was never just about clearing dues. It was about stabilizing ownership, maintaining control, and ensuring a smooth transition at the top of one of the world’s most influential tech conglomerates.

Parallel to these payments, the family committed around 1 trillion won to public welfare, particularly in healthcare. A major portion went into building Korea’s first dedicated infectious disease hospital through the National Medical Center.

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Samsung has restarted work on its SiC foundry push, a move that could ripple far beyond power semiconductors and into everything from EVs to your next Galaxy device.

Rewind to 2023, Samsung had SiC on the table alongside its GaN ambitions, but the broader chip slump and a pressing need to stabilize its memory business forced a slowdown.

Recent talks with materials suppliers and equipment vendors suggest the company is no longer testing the waters. It is lining up a supply chain; there are even early conversations around tool capacity, which usually come later in the cycle.

This looks like a shift from “explore” to “prepare.” The target is 2028 for mass production, which sounds distant, but in semiconductor terms, it is almost aggressive, especially for a segment where process maturity still lags traditional silicon.

Unlike advanced logic, where 12-inch dominates, SiC is still transitioning from 6-inch to 8-inch wafers. That makes 8-inch the cutting edge in this niche. For Samsung, it is a rare alignment of old infrastructure and new demand.

SiC handles higher voltages and temperatures with less energy loss. That is why it is showing up in EV drivetrains, fast chargers, solar inverters, and increasingly, data center power systems tied to AI workloads.

SiC will not sit inside an application processor anytime soon, but it can influence charging circuits, power management ICs, and even infrastructure behind cloud services that Galaxy devices rely on.

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Samsung’s Media Player is about to grab a color-driven redesign in the One UI 9 update. Samsung has upgraded this aspect in the One UI 8.5, which is expected to start rolling out to Galaxy S25 smartphone users this week.

One UI 9 is based on Android 17, and Samsung is preparing a color-packed redesign for the Media Player. Some users have installed the firmware on their devices, with TarunVats bringing fans early looks at the upcoming changes.

At present, Galaxy’s Media Player features a static and predictable look.

Samsung really nailed the little details here. The new seek bar now pulls colors straight from the album art of whatever you’re playing. Put on a smooth jazz track with cool blue tones, and the UI subtly shifts to match that vibe.

Switch over to a bright, punchy pop song, and everything updates instantly. It’s a small touch on paper, but in everyday use, it makes the lock screen and notifications feel way more alive and in sync with what you’re listening to.

Media Player is the aspect we see more often than others. Reinventing its user interface is a bold decision to make. Samsung is finally putting efforts in the right spots, which directly influence the software’s boldness.

Samsung is internally working on One UI 9, with the Public Beta testing expected to launch by the end of May or the beginning of June. The new software will first land on the Galaxy S26 series, while its official debut is likely in late July.

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Across older Galaxy phones, tablets, and even Galaxy Book laptops, Samsung Notes has been stuck in a frustrating OS compatibility loop that asks users to update the app, but offers no update in the store.

Samsung’s ecosystem pitch hits a wall when core apps stop syncing properly, and that is exactly what some Galaxy users are dealing with right now. Just a dead-end “Run” button and no way forward.

Older devices are essentially locked out due to version mismatches, a classic case of ecosystem fragmentation when newer builds of an app move faster than legacy OS support.

It is not the first time Samsung Notes has struggled with cross-device syncing consistency, especially when bridging Android and Windows environments.

Samsung’s Notes team has now responded

According to the official reply, a mobile update targeting devices running OS version O (Oreo/Android 8 and above) is scheduled to roll out within this week.

The next Samsung Notes update should address the compatibility gap for older Galaxy smartphones and tablets, at least on the Android side.

PC situation is less reassuring

The moderator confirmed that the Galaxy Book version of Samsung Notes still does not have a finalized update schedule. If you rely on syncing notes between your phone and laptop, this gap is hard to ignore.

Additionally, Samsung’s NOTES Manager pointed to additional internal updates and last-minute variables as reasons why firm dates keep slipping.

For now, all eyes are on this week’s mobile update. If it lands as promised, older Galaxy devices should regain proper access to Samsung Notes.

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Looks like Samsung will first unveil the One UI 8.5 roadmap before starting the Stable update’s rollout. The software may start rolling out on Wednesday, as the May 4 release window could be avoided due to regional considerations.

Samsung users are quite frustrated due to a lack of communication. As always, Samsung is refraining from revealing a release timeline. Well, an online chat with a Samsung representative brought some good news.

Chat support declined to give a timeline, but hinted that the One UI 8.5 roadmap will be published under the Notice section of the Members app.

Roadmap is a well-crafted chart that carries an update schedule for various devices. Samsung usually sticks to its rollout plans unless a major flaw is identified. That said, the roadmap will be a crucial development in One UI 8.5 story.

Update windows differ for markets, carriers, and other aspects. South Korea has become the prime spot for Samsung’s updates. Germany previously led the way along with Korea, but Samsung now prefers its home ground.

Our assumptions point to May 6 for South Korea, followed by Global markets within a week. A Canadian moderator ruled out the possibility of a simultaneous rollout for a wide range of models, so an undefined delay is likely.

Samsung is currently running the One UI 8.5 Beta Program. The testing activity is live for plenty of Galaxy devices, including flagships, foldables, tablets, and mid-range models.

Unlike the Galaxy S25 series, the Beta Program has limited availability for other models. Some are available in six markets, while others are capped to either Korea or India.

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Stable One UI 8.5 missed its April 30 release window, and May 4 may meet the same fate. Samsung hasn’t released the rollout roadmap either. This is not the treatment Galaxy loyalists deserve, even for a mid-cycle software update.

It was initially rumored that Stable One UI 8.5 may release on April 30 in Korea and on May 4 in the Global market. It’s May 4 today, and the update rollout hasn’t begun yet; meanwhile, inputs suggest another potential delay.

Here’s why Samsung could skip the One UI 8.5 release today

April 30 window was reportedly avoided due to the Labour Day holiday on the following date. Now, May 4 looks to be sidelined as well, given South Korea’s Children’s Day holiday on May 5 [source].

Wednesday, the day after tomorrow, is now shaping up to be the strongest contender for the release of Stable One UI 8.5 update. Samsung usually drops major updates on either Monday or Wednesday; that said, we may see the rollout on May 6.

Avoiding release around non-working days is a strategic move. In case the software faces a severe flaw, the expansion should be paused. If the staff are on holiday, the penetration can’t be controlled, and the damage can be worse.

Galaxy S25 users in six countries have already received a near-stable build as the 10th Beta. Several new AI features have also been installed. Samsung may have also prepared for the prime time, and it could finally be Wednesday.

Note that the timeline hasn’t been confirmed by Samsung. The information is based on facts and inputs in the community forums. The company could even surprise its fans today by starting the rollout for the Galaxy S25 series.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 will launch in July 2026, but a new leak has already revealed the potential design upgrades and a price increase.

Galaxy Z Flip 8 will land alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide this year. In 2025, the book-style foldable phone surpassed the clamshell foldable phone for the first time, and the streak could continue in 2026.

Galaxy Z Flip 8 gets subtle design upgrades

Samsung’s next Flip phone is getting subtle design upgrades. The device may feature a slightly increased horizontal width. It will be paired with a new hinge solution, which will make it around half mm thinner when folded.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 is 188 grams, while the Flip 8 is expected to be around 180 grams. Samsung is also continuing its efforts to reduce the display crease, with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 potentially bringing “no visible fold line” this year.

Key segments such as battery capacity, charging, and camera could be unchanged. Galaxy Z Flip 7 debuted with a 4300mAh battery, 300mAh larger than its predecessor, and the latest capacity could be retained this year.

Samsung may increase foldable prices

Samsung won’t bring a major price hike to the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Price freeze isn’t expected due to pressure from DRAM and NAND components.

Galaxy S26 series comes with increased prices over its predecessor. Samsung was forced to revise its pricing strategy as memory prices skyrocketed.

Galaxy Z Flip lineup introduces foldable phones with a compact form factor. However, the interest is spiking in book-style foldable devices. The launch of the Wide Fold model would widen the gap further due to its practical design.

Samsung is rumored to hold Unpacked on July 22 in London.

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On May 4, Samsung confirmed a reshuffle in its Visual Display leadership, replacing the division’s chief and transferring the former head to DX as advisor.

Samsung Electronics has named Won-Jin Lee as the new Head of its Visual Display (VD) Business, marking a leadership change at the top of its TV division.

Outgoing VD chief Seok Woo Yong will transition to an advisory role under the Device eXperience (DX) Division, where he will focus on future technologies, including AI and robotics.

Lee is not a traditional hardware or R&D-led executive. His background sits squarely in marketing, content, and services. The VD Business is being handed to someone whose strength lies in building a content ecosystem and shaping user engagement.

Expect tighter integration between Galaxy devices and Samsung’s TV lineup. Expect more emphasis on services that sit on top of the hardware rather than the panel itself.

Seok Woo Yong’s move to the DX Division reflects a parallel focus on long-term platform capabilities. His expertise in R&D and product development aligns more naturally with Samsung’s broader push into AI-led experiences and robotics.

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One UI 8.5 update is on the verge of rollout, and there’s some important news for the Galaxy S24 series users. Samsung hasn’t shared the rollout roadmap, but the update is expected to be available starting tomorrow.

A Samsung moderator of Canada community has just revealed that the One UI 8.5 rollout will begin with the Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy S24 series may follow later. That said, 2024’s flagships won’t upgrade alongside the S25 series.

The moderator clearly said that the update will first arrive for the Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is included in the following phase. It’s a little blow to the users of the flagship phones, but it isn’t shocking either.

One UI 8.5 Beta first arrived on the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung expanded it to more models in 2026, with April marked a massive expansion. As for the S24 phones, the distribution may begin in the second phase, not first.

We were expecting a simultaneous rollout for a wide range of Galaxy devices, but Samsung still refrains from opening a broad deployment. Well, the update may go live for plenty of devices in the present month and the next.

Staged release aims to ensure stability and performance. If Samsung detects any problem, the expansion will be paused. In case the stability is verified, devices from the previous generations will quickly join the party.

Users can check for latest updates through Settings > Software update. Make sure to create a backup of your personal data before install. You can also check our dedicated article to ensure a seamless upgrade experience.

• Essential checks before you install One UI 8.5 on your Samsung device

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In July last year, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 as the first phones to feature Android 16-based One UI 8.0. Despite having the same Android version, One UI 8.5 has officially surpassed its predecessor in test duration, as Galaxy device users are still waiting for this update.

The One UI 8.0 beta program kicked off on May 28 with the Galaxy S25 series, with the stable update released on September 15th. So, One UI 8.0 for the Galaxy S25 series with a major Android release adopted in 3 months and 18 days.

On December 7, 2025, Samsung opened the One UI 8.5 beta program for the same lineup. However, it’s still not closed as of May 3rd. Subsequently, its overall test duration has expanded to 4 months and 26 days.

Since One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16, its platform is already tested and adapted to the Galaxy S25 series. So, the only thing that the company needed to do was to test the latest One UI 8.5 features on top of Android 16.

Eventually, the question arises, why take such a long time? From a technical point of view, this rollout delay is unexplained. The development and testing of this software update should have been completed by March.

There’s no point in taking such a long time in distribution, as it has nothing to test on the platform upgrade. So, the only work that has to be done on the new feature is compatibility with eligible phones.

Even if the compatibility is taking time, along with bug solving. The lack of transparency is another major issue with Samsung, which hasn’t announced any details on the rollout to bring a resolution to consumers.

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Samsung will significantly elevate the Galaxy S25 Ultra experience, but the arrival of the Horizontal Lock camera feature is uncertain.

Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with enhanced camera sensors, including the new ALoP technology. The main camera features a wider aperture, which offers a new Super Steady video recording mode called Horizontal Lock.

Horizontal Lock camera feature relies on hardware, and its expansion to the Galaxy S25 Ultra looks less likely. A moderator claimed way back in March that the optimization is underway, but no follow-up surfaced since then.

Samsung’s Horizontal Lock feature works on the synchronized utilization of gyro and acceleration sensors. The camera sensor does nothing alone, but an entire system works in parallel to keep the scene steady across angles.

Galaxy S26 Ultra went viral due to this impressive camera technology. It ends the need to carry a gimbal to record steady videos. Even if you rotate your phone 360 degrees, the recording remains the same as shown in the preview.

Giving it on the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t impossible, but it can’t happen if there’s a need for specific hardware. Samsung didn’t provide the tool in the Beta Program, and Stable update is very likely to skip it when it starts rolling out.

Galaxy S26’s features are coming to older Samsung phones, but the most impressive ones are still exclusive to the latest flagships, including the Now Nudge, 24-megapixel camera mode and AI-powered Notification handlers.

One UI 8.5 update may start rolling out on May 4. It would initially arrive in South Korea and then expand to the Global markets. Samsung is actively preparing for the expansion to a wide range of its Galaxy devices this month.

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Samsung hasn’t closed the One UI 8.5 beta program, making it the longest software testing campaign to date. This is not an achievement to take proud at, but a matter of shame for the world’s largest smartphone-selling company.

The program opened on December 7 for the Galaxy S25 series. The first beta was released on the same day of enrollment, and the company has expanded the number with 9 more betas to date. These updates introduced a couple of new features and UI upgrades, as well as bug fixes for the participating models.

Later on, a couple of other phones, such as Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7, as well as previous-gen flagships such as S24 and S23 series, also joined the program.

Image – One UI 8.5 update page

Past leaks and rumors had it that the beta program would conclude on April 30th with a stable release for Korean users. This speculation included expansion to global users in early May.

However, none of that happened, making the One UI 8.5 the longest beta program the company has ever opened. The total length of the test has reached 4 months and 26 days, and the counter is still on.

Still, Samsung hasn’t announced a release date for the final build, but it could get it done before mid-May. However, nothing is certain from this point of view. For example, past leaks regarding the rollout have been proven false, and we will only believe it when Samsung actually releases the update and closes the program.

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When we talk about mobile software updates, three names come into mind – Apple and Samsung. Why is that? Apple is consistent with iPhone software development and rollout, two metrics that Samsung follows but cannot achieve. However, the scale of deployment matters, which is why Samsung comes second.

Let me help you understand the scenario and the reason you are here.

Apple

Apple has a systematic channel for software update development and release. The chain starts at its developer conference – WWDC, where all of the new software features are announced. Simultaneously, it releases a developer beta to all eligible devices so that they can participate. The same goes for the public beta campaign; all eligible iPhones can enter without restrictions on the number of models.

After months of testing, Apple releases the new iOS software update soon after the release of the latest iPhones. Users have become familiar with this pattern for years. They know what’s heading their way and when. Importantly, Apple keeps this process consistent.

The same goes for Pixel phones: Google releases updates for all Pixels at once, and the rollout is the same. Unlike Apple, Google changes its release date based on the development of the software. It means it has to cope with the Android ecosystem partners and ensure that their experience doesn’t lag.

On the positive side, Google keeps everyone posted about the development roadmap to the final release date.

What’s important?

It’s about approach; Apple has an unmatched consistency, everything is transparent and familiar to the users. The same goes for Pixel phone users.

What about Samsung?

Samsung used to act like a leader in this segment, but not anymore. The company had an annual developer conference, but that is no longer the case. It now announces a beta program with three models, prioritizes new software for new launches, and delays the rollout for old devices.

Unlike Apple and Google, Samsung publishes no prior information about its software development roadmap, shares no estimated launch date, or anything else regarding the final rollout. So, basically, existing Galaxy device owners don’t know when they will receive the next update because there’s no pattern in software development or the rollout.

I’ve also seen many people taking sides with Samsung on this matter, saying it launches more devices in the market at once. So, it can’t release the firmware update for all devices. Let’s agree to this for once, but why can’t it be transparent, share a development roadmap, and the final release date? What’s the loss in sharing a timeline and abiding by it?

That goes for a more consumer-friendly answer, but here’s a more befitting fact. Apple allows all eligible iPhones to test the latest iOS software update. For those who don’t know, Apple sells almost an identical number of iPhones as combined Galaxy devices each quarter. And, Samsung cannot even open the beta program for all S-series at once.

In the Apple ecosystem, users don’t wait for an update, protest about that in online forums, or wait endlessly. The iPhone maker gives them the after-sales service they deserve. Meanwhile, Samsung has become the opposite; you buy an expensive Ultra model, get a new pre-installed software, next year, you have to protest to get new features from the newest Ultra model, and keep on wondering about the final release.

One UI 8.5

The latest update has become a topic of discussion, but due to a lack of transparency. Users first protested against Samsung’s denial of the latest AI features to the previous flagship. Once confirmed, they are now waiting for the final release.

Basically, the beta program opened in December 2025, and the test continues through April 2026. In between, Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series as the first phone with One UI 8.5. And, the beta is still open as of early May 3rd.

Galaxy smartphone users don’t know when this update will drop on their devices; there’s no announcement in this regard.

Conclusion

Yes, you may have a different opinion on this, but when it comes to consumer satisfaction, transparency plays lead role. This element is completely lacking in Samsung’s software ecosystem. Consumers want the best after-sales services, and they should get them because that’s what they’re paying for. Unfortunately, Samsung is taking consumers for granted just by offering them flashy hardware upgrades with new models and overlooking the after-sales service.

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Yes, you read it right: Samsung Galaxy A37, A57 and Galaxy S26 series are getting a decent price cut in India. After a continuous streak of price hikes, Samsung India has incredible news for its fans in the country.

Tipster Abhishek Yadav posted an official memo on X, shedding light on price cut on Galaxy A37, A57, and Galaxy S26 series phones in India.

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the biggest beneficiary of this price cut, getting cheaper by up to INR 9000 (about $95). The standard Galaxy S26 is also having an incredible price reduction of INR 8000 for a limited period this May.

If you are looking at a mid-range device, the Galaxy A37 is going down by INR 5000, while the Galaxy A57 price is slashed by INR 7000. It’s an impressive relief for those considering buying a new Galaxy smartphone.

Price cut information:

Galaxy S26 (base)

• 12/256GB → INR 8,000 off
• 12/512GB → INR 8,000 off

Galaxy S26 Ultra

• 12/256GB → INR 9,000 off
• 12/512GB → INR 9,000 off
• 16/1TB → INR 9,000 off

Galaxy A37

• 8/128GB → INR 5,000 off
• 8/256GB → INR 5,000 off
• 12/256GB → INR 5,000 off

Galaxy A57

• 8/256GB → INR 7,000 off
• 12/256GB → INR 7,000 off

The revised prices with discounts come into effect on May 3 through May 27. You get these benefits regardless of the purchase channel. It means, you can purchase online or offline, the prices will include the said discounts.

The price cuts make the four Samsung phones even more appealing in the market. Buyers who have recently owned one of the devices may feel bad, but such a sudden discount wasn’t anticipated from Samsung India.

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Samsung may have brought a significant upgrade to the Studio app in One UI 8.5. Galaxy users will have an even better editing experience while creating movies using the built-in Studio app.

Galaxy S25 series may begin receiving One UI 8.5 update on Monday. Samsung plans to open the rollout on May 9 in North America. After missing the April 30 target, the company is probably considering May 4 for rollout.

In the latest build of Galaxy S25 Ultra, tipster Alfaturk spotted a new “Preview color” option inside the “Project settings” screen. The addition hints that the company has upgraded the Studio experience on its Galaxy devices.

The new “Preview color” option features three options for color range, including Auto, SDR and HDR. Selecting the preferred option will display content in preview in the selected color range, making editing more precise.

• If you pick the Auto option, the preview will match the color range to the content of your projects.
• Selecting SDR will force the preview function to use the standard color range for images and videos.
• Lastly, the HDR option triggers the preview to show a wider range of color and contrast for brighter, more vibrant images and videos.

Samsung’s Studio app isn’t a widely used app for editing. It has a limited set of features that just deliver nominal tweaks. Users rely on third-party apps like VN and CapCut for video editing.

Still, Samsung’s upgrading Studio app with new capabilities is a welcome move. The addition seems silent, which might also have appeared on the previous versions of One UI software.

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Rising memory prices continue to hurt purchase power of smartphone buyers. The beginning of May 2026 marks another wave of price hike across mid-range and budget Samsung phones in India.

According to AbhishekYadav, at least seven Samsung phones have faced a price hike in India. The revised prices are also in effect, raising the costs by Rs 1,000.

The affected models include the Galaxy M36, Galaxy F36, Galaxy M17, Galaxy M17e, Galaxy F70e, Galaxy M06 and Galaxy F06. The company has already hiked prices of premium A series phones over the past few months.

Unlike previous waves, the May wave of price hikes is static. All models, including their storage variants, are seeing an equal jump of INR 1,000. Here is the information about previous and revised prices in India:

Samsung M36 5G:

→ 6/128GB: Rs 20,999 → Rs 21,999
→ 8/128GB: Rs 22,999 → Rs 23,999
→ 8/256GB: Rs 26,999 → Rs 27,999

Samsung F36 5G:

→ 6/128GB: Rs 20,999 → Rs 21,999
→ 8/128GB: Rs 22,999 → Rs 23,999
→ 8/256GB: Rs 26,999 → Rs 27,999

Samsung M17 5G:

→ 4/128GB: Rs 15,999 → Rs 16,999
→ 6/128GB: Rs 17,999 → Rs 18,999
→ 8/128GB: Rs 19,999 → Rs 20,999

Samsung M17E:

→ 4/128GB: Rs 14,499 → Rs 15,499
→ 6/128GB: Rs 16,499 → Rs 17,499

Samsung F70E 5G:

→ 4/128GB: Rs 14,499 → Rs 15,499
→ 6/128GB: Rs 16,499 → Rs 17,499

Samsung M06 5G:

→ 4/64GB: Rs 11,499 → Rs 12,499
→ 4/128GB: Rs 12,999 → Rs 13,999
→ 6/128GB: Rs 14,999 → Rs 15,999

Samsung F06 5G:

→ 4/64GB: Rs 11,499 → Rs 12,499
→ 4/128GB: Rs 12,999 → Rs 13,999
→ 6/128GB: Rs 14,999 → Rs 15,999

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While the smartphone industry is worried about rising memory prices, Samsung is silently running a deal on the Galaxy S25 Ultra 1TB variant in the US.

If you want incredibly larger storage on your smartphone, you can pick up the Galaxy S25 Ultra with 1TB storage in the US. The smartphone is currently $300 down from its launch price and undercuts the S26 Ultra by $240.

Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra with 12GB RAM and 1TB storage in the US, and the list price was huge, $1,660. Galaxy S26 Ultra costs more than its predecessor, $1,800, but it comes with 16GB RAM integration.

Galaxy S25 Ultra is an epic smartphone that ships with Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Its 12GB RAM handles seamless execution of AI tasks. It also impresses with its gaming performance, thanks to the software optimization.

Samsung’s S26 Ultra is indeed better than the S25 Ultra, but the latter doesn’t disappoint too. Getting an S25 Ultra still makes sense in 2026, as its highest memory variant is available for $240 less than the latest model.

The Korean tech giant has all four standard and three online-exclusive colors in stock. Benefits jump up to $580 if you trade in your existing device. Bundling ecosystem products avails you up to 40 percent additional discount.

The only string is that you need to purchase a carrier-unlocked device. Carrier-branded models are no longer eligible on Samsung’s website. With the unlocked version, you get peace of mind as it allows easier network switching.

• Buy Galaxy S25 Ultra 1TB for $1,360 from Samsung.com

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Samsung has just patched the broken update system of an app. Galaxy users reported that the Bixby Vision requires an update while using, but the Galaxy Store had nothing to install. Well, a new update has arrived, and the problem is solved.

Bixby Vision is getting updated to version 5.0.00.14. It’s available for installation, unlike the previous broken alerts. Now, the Galaxy users are getting the update key working, which was not accessible before.

Earlier, using Bixby Vision had become a complete frustration. Galaxy users run the app, and it alerts them to install the new version, but Galaxy Store has nothing. Several users reported having the same problem in various markets.

It often happens with Galaxy Store and Play Store apps. This is because of the sequential rollout of app updates, which spread slowly. The installed app pushes an update alert, but limited coverage renders a failed update.

This update hides two possibilities:

1. Bixby Vision update has become available widely.
2. Samsung is rolling out a patched version of Bixby Vision.

If you use the Bixby Vision app, check for its latest update in the Galaxy Store. You may also get an update notice right after opening the app. Tapping the update button takes you to the app’s landing page in the Galaxy Store.

Even if you don’t see a new version available for download, waiting a bit is the only option. The expansion might still be rolling out slowly. The expansion usually takes a couple of days to reach a broad range of users across countries.

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