Samsung's One UI 6.1 Update Delayed for Older Devices, Scheduled Rollout in April

Samsung's eagerly awaited One UI 6.1 update faces delays, with its wide release for older devices now expected in April. Despite anticipation for a March rollout, Samsung Vietnam hints at a late March release for the Galaxy S23 series, suggesting a staggered global deployment.

Delays in One UI 6.1 Rollout Leave Users Waiting, Samsung Eyes April for Broad Release

Samsung recently announced (via SamMobile) that the update would be available in the last 15 days of the month. Still, nearly three weeks later, One UI 6.1 has yet to be released for any eligible device. And, in some markets, the company may be in a tight spot.

An alleged Samsung Vietnam representative claimed that the Galaxy S23 series will receive One UI 6.1 on March 28. We're assuming that date is for Vietnam, not when the update will go live globally, and some markets may receive it earlier.

Still, given how long it's been since One UI 6.1 debuted, we're becoming increasingly skeptical of Samsung's ability to make it widely available before April.

It's especially concerning for non-flagship devices released in 2023. The initial wave is expected to target only the Galaxy S23 series (including the S23 FE), Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9, so owners of other eligible smartphones and tablets may have to wait until May or June to use the most recent Samsung software.

However, since only the 2023 flagships will receive the Galaxy S24's AI features, One UI 6.1 for other devices may be released soon after the rollout begins. However, if it takes less time, Samsung may skip version One UI 6.1 for some devices and update them to One UI 7.0 later this year.

Samsung Returns to Traditional Update Cycle with One UI 6.1, Leaves Older Models Waiting

The Galaxy S23 series debuted last year with version 5.1 of One UI out of the box. Samsung could have used more time to bring it to other devices: One UI 5.1 was available for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 before the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra hit store shelves.

Before One UI 5.1, Samsung would release One UI updates for older devices after the flagship they debuted with became available. With One UI 6.1, the company has resumed that practice.

The Galaxy S24 went on sale worldwide on January 31, and now that February is over, the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are the only devices running One UI 6.1.

Photo: GSMArena Official/YouTube Screenshot