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Right now, Samsung is testing out One UI 4 on its Galaxy S21 users. The update to the company’s Android skin has been rumored to launch along with Android 12, but the story gets complicated with the company’s foldable phones. However, thanks to Ice Universe from Twitter, we have word that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 may be getting the One UI 4 beta soon.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 users in China may be next to get the beta
Updating any sort of mobile platform is a big job, whether it’s the Android OS or just a skin. What makes things worse is the introduction of different and eccentric form factors; and what form factor is more eccentric than a foldable? Samsung has to accommodate both a regular-sized screen and a tablet-sized screen for the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
This is why the update is taking so long. However, in the short and sweet tweet, Ice merely says that the beta is coming to Chinese users in the “near future.” That phrase doesn’t give us much to work with, but if One UI 4 is really going to launch along with Android 12, it shouldn’t be too long of a wait.
What’s new with One UI 4?
Samsung started rolling out the third beta for One UI 4, and we’re already seeing tangible improvements and changes. Notably, there were some changes to the Weather app. People are reporting improvements to the animations with smoother transitions. One thing that people like is the removal of the ads from the program.
The overall look of the software won’t be very different from One UI 3. However, elements like widgets will have the rounded corner aesthetic as with Android 12. Other bits of the UI also get the rounded bubbly look like the brightness slider.
There will be additions to the always-on-display and camera app
The always-on-display has some new features as well. Firstly, the company introduced animated GIFs on the screen. There’s a selection of colorful and minimalist animations that play on the screen. There’s also a feature where it will only turn on when you get a notification.
Samsung also updated the camera app. When recording video, the camera will start recording after you press the button, not when you release it. In single-take mode, you have the option to add 5-second increments if you feel that time is running out. As for the share menu, you can pin your favorite apps to the top.
There are more features and changes coming to the One UI 4, and if you own a Galaxy Z Fold 3, you might be able to experience them sooner rather than later.