Accidentally revealing the release date of the next version of its One UI 5.1 operating system before of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked presentation on February 1 is a nice way to get people excited. We’ve been hearing murmurs about this upgrade for a while now, and initial rumors suggested it will roll out around the introduction of the Galaxy S23 series. It seems that the update will be available for additional phones in February.
9to5Google was able to get this knowledge from the most recent update for the Galaxy Watch 5. The press release also detailed upcoming upgrades for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with enhanced audio and the Galaxy Watch with zoom controls. The updated One UI 5.1 is required for the new Galaxy Watch functionality, which is mentioned in the press release‘s small print.
The feature will be available on Galaxy Buds2 Pro paired with a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5.0 or above with LE Audio support, including Galaxy Z Flip4, Z Fold4 and the upcoming Galaxy smartphones.
It’s possible that the OS upgrade may be released with the Galaxy Watch update in February, considering both were announced in the same press release. According to a changelog uncovered by 9to5Google’s researchers, “this functionality is only available on flagship devices produced after Samsung Galaxy S20 or Z Flip running at least One UI 5.1.” The news source goes on to say that the Galaxy S21 and S22, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 4, and Z Fold 4 will get the update.
The One UI 5.1 upgrade will most likely be released for Samsung’s flagship devices first, but it’s possible that it may trickle down to the company’s other phones as well. Unfortunately, we won’t know how this upgrade will be implemented until February arrives. In order to get a credit of up to $100 when the Samsung Galaxy S23 is available, interested parties need place a preorder.
