Samsung Android 16 Release Date: One UI 8 & Eligible Devices

Última actualización: 15/09/2025

Android 16 marks the sixteenth major version of Google’s mobile operating system, bringing significant improvements to functionality, performance, and security. For Samsung Galaxy users, this update is especially important because it will arrive with One UI 8, Samsung’s custom interface, creating a seamless blend of Google’s latest Android innovations with Samsung’s unique features.

📱 Why Android 16 Matters for Samsung Galaxy Users

This collaboration between Google and Samsung has historically resulted in optimized performance across the Galaxy ecosystem, making every new Android release highly anticipated.

The internal codename for Android 16 is “Baklava”, following Google’s tradition of dessert-themed codenames. This release continues the streamlined development process introduced with Android 14’s “Trunk Stable Project”, aiming to deliver more stable and faster updates for manufacturers like Samsung.

📅 Official Android 16 Release Date & Samsung Rollout Schedule

2.1 Google’s Official Release Date

Google officially launched Android 16 on June 10, 2025, after several months of developer previews and beta testing.
Here’s the development timeline:

• Developer Preview 1: November 19, 2024
• Developer Preview 2: December 18, 2024
• Beta Program Launch: January 23, 2025
• Beta 3 – Platform Stability: March 2025
• Final Stable Release: June 10, 2025

2.2 Samsung’s Historical Update Pattern

Samsung usually begins rolling out major Android updates to its flagship devices 3–5 months after Google’s official release.
For example:

• Android 15: Rollout started in November 2024 (5 months later).
• Android 14: Rollout started in October 2023 (4 months later).
• Android 13: Rollout started in November 2022 (5 months later).

Expected Android 16 rollout window:
Samsung is expected to begin updating its flagship Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy S24 series, between September and November 2025.

⏳ How Samsung Updates Work: The Android 16 Rollout Process

Samsung’s update process involves multiple stages:

1. Integration with One UI 8 – Google releases the Android source code, and Samsung customizes it with One UI features.
2. Compatibility testing – Ensuring the update works smoothly with Samsung hardware, apps, and carrier requirements.
3. Regional testing – Updates are tested in priority markets before a global release.
4. Final rollout – Starting with flagship devices, then mid-range and older models.

Samsung has significantly improved its update speed, now offering four years of major Android updates for most flagship and premium mid-range models. This means devices as old as the Galaxy S21 series could still receive Android 16.

Factors affecting rollout timing:

• Device region (unlocked models get updates earlier than carrier-locked ones).
• Hardware compatibility for older devices.
• Priority markets like the U.S. and South Korea usually receive updates first.
• The complexity of One UI 8 customizations.

🔥 Top Android 16 Features Coming to Samsung Galaxy Devices

Android 16 will bring exciting features, integrated with Samsung’s One UI 8, to enhance the overall Galaxy experience.

4.1 Enhanced Desktop Mode

A refined desktop mode similar to ChromeOS will improve Samsung DeX, offering better window management, smoother multitasking, and more powerful external display support. Galaxy devices could act as full desktop computers with monitors, keyboards, and mice.

4.2 Health Connect with Medical Records

Android 16 introduces Health Connect APIs for securely managing medical data like immunization records, lab results, and prescriptions. The Samsung Health app is expected to deeply integrate with this feature.

4.3 Notification Cooldown

A new notification cooldown feature reduces noise and distractions when many notifications arrive at once, improving focus while still allowing urgent alerts.

4.4 Advanced Camera & Video Features

Support for Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec enables high-quality video recording with:

• YUV 422 color sampling
• 10-bit encoding
• Bitrates up to 2 Gbit/s
  This will improve Samsung’s camera app for pro-level video creators.

Learn more about the new One UI 8 features and how they improve your Galaxy experience.

📊 Samsung Devices Eligible for Android 16 Update

Based on Samsung’s current update policy, here’s a predicted list of devices likely to get Android 16:

5.1 Flagship Smartphones

• Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra)
• Galaxy S23 series
• Galaxy S22 series
• Galaxy S21 FE 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 / Z Flip 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4 / Z Flip 4

5.2 Mid-range & Budget Devices

• Galaxy A54 5G
• Galaxy A34 5G
• Galaxy A25 5G
• Galaxy A15 5G
• Galaxy M54 5G
• Galaxy M34 5G
• Galaxy F54 5G

5.3 Tablets

• Galaxy Tab S9 series
• Galaxy Tab S8 series
• Galaxy Tab Active 5
• Galaxy Tab A9+

Note: The official list will be confirmed by Samsung closer to the rollout date. Devices older than 2022 may not qualify due to hardware limitations.

🔍 How to Check & Install Android 16 on Samsung Devices

When Android 16 starts rolling out, you can check for updates using these methods:

1. Manual check:
   Settings > Software Update > Download and Install
2. Samsung Members app:
   Notifications about updates are often sent here.
3. Samsung Smart Switch (PC/Mac):
   Connect your device to check for updates manually.
4. Samsung support website:
   Regional update schedules are often published here.

Preparation tips:

• Back up data using Samsung Cloud or external storage.
• Ensure at least 5–10 GB of free storage space.
• Keep the battery above 50% or plugged in during the update.
• Update all apps for maximum compatibility.

❓Android 16 & Samsung: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will my Samsung device get Android 16?
Most Samsung devices released in 2022 or later will receive Android 16. Flagship devices get four generations of Android updates.

Q2: What is the codename for Android 16?
Internally, Android 16 is codenamed “Baklava”, but the public name remains Android 16.

Q3: Can I join the Android 16 beta on Samsung?
Yes! Samsung will run beta programs through the Samsung Members app, usually opening a few months before the final release.

Q4: Will Android 16 improve battery life?
Android 16 brings optimizations that may improve efficiency, but actual battery life depends on Samsung’s implementation and your usage patterns.

Q5: Is it safe to install Android 16 right away?
It’s best to wait a few days and check user feedback before updating. Always back up your data first.

✅ Conclusion: Get Your Samsung Device Ready for Android 16

Android 16 is a major upgrade that will bring new features, better performance, and enhanced privacy to Samsung Galaxy devices through One UI 8.

The rollout is expected to begin between September 2025 and February 2026, starting with flagship models like the Galaxy S24 series.

To stay up to date:

• Follow announcements on Samsung’s official newsroom.
• Enable notifications in the Samsung Members app.
• Keep your device backed up and updated regularly.

With Samsung’s extended update policy, Android 16 will ensure Galaxy users enjoy the latest innovations for years to come.