What you want to know
- Samsung could lastly shut the hole with Pixel, bringing Galaxy customers new Android options a lot sooner.
- Firmware leaks affirm the shift, exhibiting SDK 36.1 and BP4A tied to Android 16 QPR2.
- Google’s Trunk Steady mannequin is the key sauce, making it simpler for Samsung to sync updates with Android’s cycle.
Samsung is supposedly preparing for a giant shift in the way it handles software program updates, and One UI 8.5 is on the heart of it.
Whereas the model quantity makes it sound like a minor refresh, this launch is definitely constructed on Android 16 QPR2, Google’s upcoming quarterly platform launch, in keeping with Android Authority‘s Mishaal Rahman.
That’s a giant deal as a result of most smartphone makers, Samsung included, often skip over Google’s quarterly updates and bundle these options into the subsequent full Android model. Samsung leaping in earlier is anticipated to tighten the hole between Galaxy customers and Pixel house owners relating to getting new Android options.
Early indicators of this alteration appeared in a leaked firmware construct with SDK model 36.1 and the construct prefix BP4A, each linked to Android 16 QPR2. This factors to Samsung syncing its replace schedule extra intently with Google.
Google’s Trunk Steady mannequin permits the shift
A giant a part of that’s due to Google’s Trunk Steady mannequin, a framework that enables OEMs to combine Android adjustments sooner and with fewer complications, as per Rahman. If Samsung sticks with this path, your favourite Galaxy telephones might begin getting Android’s latest instruments with out months of ready round.
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So, what’s within the pipeline with One UI 8.5? Fairly a bit. On the interface facet, customers can anticipate an expanded darkish theme, a pressured icon theming possibility, lock display widget help, and a common cursor when utilizing exterior shows. There’s additionally extra granular management over haptic suggestions and higher APIs to regulate app layouts throughout completely different gadgets.
For media, Samsung is bringing in enhancements like new AAudio APIs, an HDR/SDR brightness slider, enhanced media router privateness, and private audio sharing by way of the output switcher.
Privateness and safety get some key updates too. One UI 8.5 is anticipated to increase Id Examine to extra apps, not simply system options, whereas additionally including USB-level safety, native parental controls, and toggles for telephone theft safety.
It’s price noting that not each characteristic noticed on this leaked construct is assured to make it into the ultimate launch. Nonetheless, the general takeaway is that One UI 8.5 could possibly be Samsung making an announcement that it’s able to ship Android enhancements sooner, with out leaving Galaxy customers ready till Android 17.