With Android 13 currently being tested by developers, phone makers who rely on Google’s mobile OS will be busy working on their own variations – and we’ve just got a glimpse of what Samsung is planning with the release of One UI 5.
The team in 9to5Google (opens in new tab) managed to access an early version of the software, which could be released to the masses before the end of the year, and will likely appear on new Samsung phones throughout 2023.
These new Samsung phones will, of course, include the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which should see the light of day in January. We’ve heard a lot of rumors about the Galaxy S23’s specs and now we also have a preview of the software.
One UI to rule them all
Among the changes in One UI 5 are an improved notification design (with some changes to aesthetics and opacity), the ability to capture text in images and copy it directly to the clipboard, and new multitasking gestures.
While there aren’t any major differences between One UI 5 and the software versions that preceded it, there’s still plenty of time for Samsung to add and remove features before making the mobile operating system available to the wider world.
The finished version of One UI 4 was released in November of last year, so you can expect a similar type of lineup this time around – that would mean the new software is ready for the phones Samsung plans to release next year.
Review: Highlighting Android
There’s always a lot of talk about rear camera modules and processor speeds and screen sizes when it comes to new smartphones, but we shouldn’t forget the importance of the software running on those devices either.
Every manufacturer with an Android phone or five in their product lineup thinks they can build the best version of Google’s mobile operating system – even if for some phone makers that involves tinkering with the original code as little as possible.
Companies like Samsung and Xiaomi have worked hard to try to make their Android versions stand out. Meanwhile, Google has added some unique tweaks to the version of Android it launches on its Pixel phones, including a lock screen widget that identifies music playing around you with no additional interaction required.
When the Galaxy S23 arrives, Samsung could also point to some major software updates, and that’s what this latest leak is all about – although One UI 5 will also roll out on older Samsung handsets, overtime.