Samsung accelerates Android 16 launch for new devices

In a notable shift in the Android update landscape, Samsung is expected to accelerate its rollout of Android 16, promising better timeliness compared to previous updates. This development comes after the sluggish release of Android 15, which first appeared on Google Pixel devices in October 2024 and arrived on Samsung's Galaxy S25 series in January 2025. As of April 2025, various other Galaxy models were still in the early stages of receiving the updates, prompting concerns about the delay's potential impact on Samsung's upgrade strategy. However, Samsung is reportedly working to ensure that the Android 16 rollout will be smoother and faster, with the release anticipated in mid-2025. Multiple reports from trusted sources, including SamMobile, indicate that foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely come equipped with Android 16 right out of the box. This new strategy aims to not only provide a fresh user experience but also keep pace with Google's faster release schedule for its Android operating system. The Android 16 beta versions have already been seen in previous months, featuring several improvements and enhancements over earlier versions. If the timeline holds, Samsung may unveil its latest foldable devices shortly after Google's Android 16 launch, potentially setting a new benchmark for Android updates in the industry. Furthermore, if Samsung manages to beat Google to market with Android 16 on its devices, it would mark a significant turnaround in the Android ecosystem, where Samsung has frequently been criticized for its slow update rollout compared to Google’s Pixel lines. There is palpable excitement among users and tech enthusiasts for Samsung's new commitment to more timely software updates, as well as the implications this may have for the competitive landscape in the smartphone market.