Samsung has just announced that One UI 6, its version of Android 14, will be launched in beta from this month on the Galaxy S23 series, and a few users can already download the new version on their smartphones.
Samsung Germany accidentally announced that the first version of the One UI 6.0 beta program based on Android 14 has been released for the Galaxy S23 series in the United States, South Korea and Germany. The post was later removed, but not before the changelog was published.
What changes to One UI 6 on the Galaxy S23?
Among the most notable new features of One UI 6, Samsung has completely revamped its Quick Settings menu. When expanded, the menu now includes larger buttons for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with other buttons and elements now separated and framed in a 4×3 grid for a more uniform look in the Quick Settings UI. The interface would now almost look like a combination between ColorOS and iOS.
Below that is a brightness slider with other display options, and two more buttons for device controls and modes. Samsung also notes that the quick panel can now be opened with a simple swipe from the top right cornerwhereas today it takes two swipes to access the same options.
Samsung is also adding a “situational wallpaper” feature, which does exactly what it says. For example, if your phone goes into sleep mode, the wallpaper will automatically change to something more appropriate for bedtime.
There would also be a new camera widget that would allow the user to transfer selected images to another storage location from the home screen. Samsung would also have changed the font used on its smartphone, and would have opted for the “Samsung Sans”, rather than the previous “Roboto” and “Samsung One” fonts.
Finally, remember that in addition to its own changes to its overlay, Samsung is also introducing a large part of the novelties of Android 14which has been available in beta on Pixel smartphones for a few months now.
According to @Vetrox360, who was able to try the new update on his smartphone, the update would ultimately not only bring improvements. According to him, accessibility and one-handed use could be compromised due to the quick panel redesign. It therefore remains to be seen how this change will be received by users.
Read also – Galaxy S23 Ultra: Samsung discreetly withdraws a video option from its flagship smartphone
Who can install One UI 6 on their Galaxy S23?
Samsung did not reveal a specific date for the beta of One UI 6, but simply indicated that users in the United States, Germany and South Korea could now experience the new Galaxy interface with Android 14. France is currently not one of the eligible countries. The list of supported devices apparently includes all three Galaxy S23 models (standard, Plus, and Ultra), whether unlocked or carrier-provided.
If you live in one of these countries and want to install the beta on your Galaxy S23, you need to open the Samsung Members app and find the right page to enroll your device in the beta. Once registered, you will receive a notification when the beta version is ready to download and install.
As of now, it’s unclear when the One UI 6 beta will be open to everyone. However, the rapid publication and withdrawal of Samsung Germany’s press release suggests that this year’s beta will soon be available to all users.