Even before Google’s Pixel 10: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 could launch with Android 16

Samsung really shot itself in the foot with One UI 7. While other Android OEMs already rolled out their Android 15 updates last year, Samsung needed a lot more time. Aside from the Galaxy S25 generation that shipped with One UI 7, no other Samsung flagship runs on the final version of Android 15 at the time of writing. That said, the One UI 7 update is expected to arrive on first Galaxy S24 smartphones in the next few days.

Given the fact that Android 16 will launch earlier this year, with the final version expected as early as June or July, this is rather frustrating for Samsung fans. In order to make up for this disappointment, the South Korean tech giant could be right at the forefront with the next major Android update. That's what an unnamed insider apparently told Sammobile, which now claims that both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to ship with One UI 8 pre-installed. That would make them one of the very first smartphones to run on Android 16, even before Google is scheduled to present the Pixel 10 lineup in August.

Should this leak come true, it would also suggest an earlier One UI 8 release for older smartphones. In particular, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra owners shouldn’t have to wait too long for their Android 16 update. Similar rumors about an earlier One UI 8 rollout have already surfaced a few weeks ago, but a July launch would still be rather surprising. Presumably, Samsung could implement just a few new features aside from the fundamental changes that Google introduces with Android 16.