This year has been an unusual year for Android updates, as Google has decided to launch its Pixel 9 smartphones in August instead of October. Google wanted to make a big statement with AI, even if it meant running Android 14, which was released last year, when the Pixel 9 launched.
Pixel 9 is packed with Gemini AI features that are consumer-ready. This is certainly a marketing victory for Google in its battle with Apple. Despite Apple touting AI in iPhone 16 ads, the iPhone 16 is currently sold as an AI phone without Apple Intelligence features. This is pretty embarrassing for Apple. Especially since Google already has a lot of AI capabilities available. But it’s unclear whether the Pixel 9 smartphone will sell better than previous models.
Fast forward to mid-October, and Google has finally released the Android 15 update for the Pixel 9 and other compatible Pixel devices. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing to roll out the first few Apple Intelligence features to iPhones later this month.
But not all Android users can update their phones right away. Samsung is one of the outliers, as its phones won’t receive the Android 15 update until sometime in 2025.
Update lag has always been an issue for Google’s Android platform, but things have improved significantly in recent years. Even Samsung has gotten better at updating its Android phones to the latest version of Android. Also, let’s not forget Samsung’s emphasis on software warranties.
The Galaxy S24 series comes with 7 years of Android and security updates. Other flagship models, such as the 2024 Galaxy Z foldable model, will receive the seven-year treatment as well. The upcoming Galaxy S25 series will likely feature the same software warranty. What’s even more impressive is that the recently released Galaxy A16 entry-level phone gets 6 years of support.
Although Android updates are slower than Google’s Pixel, this is a great development.
meanwhile, 9to5Google Several Android vendors are reporting that they have already committed to rolling out Android 15 to their customers in the near future.
Vivo announced a few weeks ago that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Vivo X100, and Iqoo 12 will soon be upgraded to Android 15. Motorola is rolling out Android 15 to Edge 50 Fusion models. Other phones will also receive the update, but no timeline has been set. Asus has launched the Android 15 preview program for the ROG Phone 8. Oppo is expected to bring Android 15 to a range of Android smartphones, including OnePlus-branded models, in the near future.
Given that many non-Pixel devices also gained access to the Android 15 beta earlier this year, more vendors are likely to follow suit.
Back to Samsung, don’t expect any surprises with Android 15. The company announced a few weeks ago at its developer event SDC 2024 that Android 15 won’t launch on phones like the Galaxy S24 until 2025. A version of One UI 7 with all the innovative AI features will be released on the upcoming Galaxy S series next year. ” That is, of course, the Galaxy S25.
This follows the delay of One UI 7, Samsung’s new user interface built on top of Android 15. You cannot start one without starting the other.
The good news is that if you own one of Samsung’s 2024 flagship phones, you’ll probably be able to test out the One UI 7 and Android 15 betas first. It should happen by the end of the year, but no firm release date has been set yet.
The Galaxy S25 series will probably be released in mid-January, just like its predecessor.
