What you need to know
- Starting September 14, Galaxy S21 owners can sign up for the Android 12 with One UI 4 beta through the Samsung Members app on their devices.
- The beta is available in seven countries: China, India, Germany, Poland, South Korea, UK, and the U.S.
- One UI 4 is Samsung's next big update, based on Android 12, and brings a slew of new theme options for ultimate phone customization.
- Samsung has also added new privacy features, upgraded and redesigned several home screen widgets, emojis, and more.
It's worth noting that since this is a beta, we do not advise that you install it on your everyday phone unless you enjoy running into potential experience-breaking bugs.
The excitement has been building for One UI 4 as Google has been building out Android 12, and the wait is finally at an end for many Galaxy S21 owners willing to test out Samsung's latest software. Android 12 represents the biggest visual change Android has seen in some time — maybe even ever — and is heavily based on the look and feel Samsung developed for One UI several years ago, albeit with a significantly more colorful palette.
If you own a Galaxy S21 and are living in one of the seven countries listed above, you should be able to sign up for the beta in the Samsung Members app starting the morning of September 14. When you open the Samsung Members app, keep an eye out for a banner up top labeled One UI 4 beta located in the sliding carousel. Clicking that will take you through the sign-up process.
One UI 4 is Samsung's next big software update that's based on Android 12 and includes new and improved ways to customize your phone, as well as enhanced privacy capabilities that are being debuted in Android 12. Samsung is building upon Google's new privacy options by allowing users to see the past seven days' worth of permissions history, while stock Android 12 only allows 24 hours. Samsung says its new theme engine allows users to customize their home screen, icons, notifications, and wallpapers more than ever before.
Additionally, many home screen widgets have been redesigned and feature a fresh new look along with what Samsung calls "deep customization." Emojis have also seen some love in this release, and Samsung says they're easier than ever to access in one place.
Just a few days ago, a Samsung community manager confirmed that the beta had been delayed, but it looks like that delay may have only been for some countries. If you've downloaded the One UI 4 beta and have tried it out, let us know what you think in the comments below!
Flagship specs without the flagship price
Samsung's Galaxy S21 is one of the best phones the company has ever made, is selling for a great price, and gets Android 12 first. Don't miss out any longer, get one now!
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