
Users of Samsung phones are in for a busy month. Recently, all eyes have been on their next event, which looks set to see the unveiling of their new range of foldable phones and smartwatches.
But that's not the only upgrade coming. More traditional handsets from the company – like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – are widely regarded as some of the best Android phones on the market – and they're about to get even better.
According to Samsung specialist blog, SamMobile, the beta version of Android 14 could launch on some devices before that event. Their report says that the One UI 6.0 beta could launch on Samsung Galaxy S23 series devices in the third week of July. The roll-out to older, compatible devices should take place after that, though no timeframe is given.
That's great news for users. Having access to the latest and greatest software is a big part of the appeal of flagship devices. For those who just can't wait for the public release, the beta offers a chance to get hands-on early.
That's earlier than last year. Interestingly, it's around the same distance from the release of Samsung's new folding phones as the One UI 5 beta was from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 last year. The whole thing has just been shifted slightly earlier in the year.
Rumours have been light about what the new software will look like on Samsung devices. We've heard about some new Material You colours and some improvements to background functions.
Earlier rumours suggested that a handful of popular iPhone features could make their way onto Android 14, too. Those include a version of Continuity Camera – where your phone camera can replace your webcam for higher-quality video – and Emergency SOS, for satellite messaging.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
As things stand, those features haven't turned up in the early beta versions. What we have seen so far is a host of privacy and security updates. That should help users to feel more comfortable using their device.
With only around a month left until the reported release date, there's not long to wait.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Eufy E20 3-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner review: perhaps the only home cleaning system you'll ever need
The world’s first robot vacuum and stick vacuum in one tidy package
By Derek Adams Published
-
Netflix's new comedy series looks like it has something for everyone
Running Point might be a crowd-pleaser
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your affordable Samsung TV could be getting a massive feature update anytime now
Samsung's premium TVs aren't the only ones getting extra smarts
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
One major Samsung Galaxy S25 upgrade could make all phones better going forward
It's just not clear when rival handsets might get it
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung sneakily confirms its tri-fold phone for release this year – blink and you missed it
A passing reference to a multi-fold device compounds rumours of a new device
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung's Vision Pro rival to get a big boost from a clever Google acquisition
Google is buying HTC's XR division to work on Android XR – the driving force behind Project Moohan
By John McCann Published
-
Samsung just shocked everyone with the S25 Edge
What is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
By Sam Cross Published
-
Samsung is prioritising Google Gemini over its own Bixby – and that's a great sign for users
I'm hoping this is a sign of great things to come
By Sam Cross Published
-
Extra Samsung Galaxy S25 marketing leak shows new features before launch
Is there anything left to learn?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Your Samsung phone will get its biggest free upgrade yet in the coming weeks
This could be a gamechanger for your phone
By Sam Cross Published