Galaxy S23 could get a taste of Android 14 this week (Update: Delayed)

Update, August 2, 2023 (05:05 PM ET): Rumors last week suggested we’d see the first Android 14 beta for Samsung phones today. However, that didn’t happen. We’re not sure why, but according to a tweet, it’s possible Samsung planned on an August 2 launch but then delayed it for unknown reasons. It’s possible we could see it drop later this week, but we have no other information at this time.

Original article, July 27, 2023 (04:34 PM ET): Today, Google released Android 14 beta 4.1, which at this point, is in its stable phase. While the beta is currently only available for the Pixel, Galaxy S23 series users could get Samsung’s take on the OS soon.

According to SamMobile, a German Samsung customer support representative appears to have let it slip that the One UI 6.0 beta program will launch on August 2 for the Galaxy S23 series. If you’re unfamiliar with One UI, it is Samsung’s version of Google’s Android platform. In addition to this news, it was also revealed that this beta program would come to the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 next on August 9.

The fact that the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 may be second in line to get the beta program is a little surprising. Samsung usually offers betas to its flagships first before opening up to its midrange devices. However, we’re sure that the Galaxy S22 and S21 won’t be far behind.

Android 14 began its stable phase in June. Preparation for One UI 6.0 also began last month when Samsung began updating apps with One UI 6.0 support. It was expected that Samsung would launch its One UI 6.0 beta program in the third week of July. But it clearly missed that date. Fortunately, it seems the delay will be short-lived.

Despite the delay, this turnaround has been relatively quick compared to other rollouts. However, the company did state in December that it wanted future releases to be even faster than the One UI 5 launch.