Samsung to bring One UI 4.0 beta based on Android 12 to the Galaxy S21 series “soon”

Google is nearing the final release of Android 12, expected to launch in late August or early September. While some pretty major smartphone makers have been included in the beta process, Samsung was one company notably absent. However, it seems that Samsung is already gearing up to launch its One UI 4.0 beta, based on Android 12.

One UI 4 Beta，coming soon！https://t.co/o9APXTxFNV pic.twitter.com/V0wK6ceICL

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 28, 2021

In a now deleted post (via @UniverseIce), Samsung confirmed that the Android 12 beta was “coming soon”. The list of supported devices include the trio of Galaxy S21 handsets, regardless of whether you are using an unlocked version or one tied to a carrier.

Compared to last year’s One UI 3.0 release, based on Android 11, Samsung seems to really be upping its game in the update department. If we’re this close to a One UI 4.0 beta, then hopefully the Galaxy S21 lineup will see Android 12 before October. Then, it’s just a matter of seeing what’s to come in this new version, and see how Samsung implements Google’s new Material You design language.

What’s coming in One UI 4.0?

Now that we know that Samsung is nearing its first One UI 4.0 beta release, details are becoming available as to what the update will include. One leak claims that One UI 4.0 will offer changes to the app icons and overall color scheme. Given the introduction of Material You with Android 12, this doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. But the leak also suggests that Samsung may even adapt Google’s new interface for its One UI skin.

Since OneUI 4 beta update for the S21 series in August is confirmed, I think this is the perfect time to leak some information about the next OneUI update. The update will some changes about icon, colours and some Android 12 feels. Most likely they will adapt Android 12 Material

— No name (@chunvn8888) July 28, 2021

Samsung is also expected to introduce better software optimization for the Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 chipsets. Not to say that the Galaxy S21 is any slouch, but anything the company can do to improve performance and battery life is fine by us.

It’s also possible that One UI 4.0 introduces an all-new Samsung Notes app. This will be a welcome addition now that more devices other than the Galaxy Note series can make use of the S Pen. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is already capable of using an S Pen, while Samsung will be unveiling a new S Pen designed specifically for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3.

According to this latest leak, Samsung plans to start beta testing One UI 4.0 in August. Then, the stable version would begin rolling out November, ahead of a potential January introduction of the Galaxy S22.