Android 16 Races Ahead as Samsung Struggles with One UI 7 & Android 15 Delays

Android 16’s development is progressing smoothly, while Samsung faces delays with One UI 7 and Android 15 rollout. Google Maps sparked controversy by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America,” leading to user backlash. Meanwhile, OnePlus confirmed there won’t be an Open 2 in 2025, raising concerns about the future of foldable devices.

Android 16 Races Ahead as Samsung Struggles with One UI 7 & Android 15 Delays

Android 16 Gains Momentum as Samsung Faces Android 15 Hurdles

The rollout of Android 15 continues to be problematic, with Google’s initial release being delayed and Motorola experiencing serious issues that rendered some devices unusable. Now, Samsung is also facing challenges in distributing the update, making the transition to Android 15 rougher than expected. Meanwhile, Android 16 development is progressing smoothly, showing a stark contrast between the two updates.

A Busy Week in Mobile Tech

This past week saw significant developments in the mobile industry. Samsung’s One UI 7 update was a major topic, while Android 16 received a crucial update. Additionally, Google Maps found itself at the center of controversy, OnePlus made a disappointing announcement, Google confirmed the date for I/O 2025, and rumors about upcoming smartphones continued to surface.

One UI 7: Delayed but Still Coming

Originally expected in late July, One UI 7’s first beta was postponed as Samsung prioritized One UI 6.1.1. The company later confirmed the delay, citing the large number of new features being added. The first beta eventually arrived in December, leading to expectations of a stable release in early 2025.

However, recent reports suggest that existing Galaxy phones might not receive the update until the very end of Q1 2025 or even into Q2. Some leaks indicate the Galaxy S24 FE could be updated by March 31, but others suggest Samsung may still be beta testing in April. Furthermore, many of the AI-driven features introduced with the Galaxy S25 series might not make their way to older devices due to hardware constraints.

Despite these setbacks, Samsung has continued rolling out security patches for devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, though they remain on One UI 6.1.1. Meanwhile, Galaxy S25 owners have already received a second One UI 7 update addressing a major camera issue, leaving many foldable users waiting.

Android 16 Nears Platform Stability

While Android 15 has faced numerous difficulties, Android 16’s development appears to be running smoothly. Google has already announced an accelerated release schedule, with a stable version expected in Q2 2025. The latest milestone, Android 16 Beta 2, was released this week and marks the final update before app-facing behaviors and APIs are locked in.

This update also introduces a significant policy change: Apps targeting Android 16 will no longer be able to opt out of edge-to-edge display formatting, leading to more full-screen experiences with transparent navigation and status bars. While other user-friendly features, such as a dedicated widget for account switching, were also introduced, the update isn’t without issues—Material You theming has once again encountered a bug.

Google Maps: New Features and Controversy

At the start of the week, Google Maps continued its integration of Waze-like features by rolling out new incident reporting options for road conditions. These features arrived on Android Auto first, followed by iOS, and are now gradually reaching Android phones.

However, another change in Google Maps sparked backlash. Following an executive order from former President Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” Google updated its maps accordingly, citing compliance with the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The change was met with significant user criticism, prompting Google to disable reviews for the location.

No OnePlus Open 2 in 2025

Tech enthusiasts had been closely monitoring leaks related to Oppo’s Find N5, as its predecessor (the Find N3) heavily influenced the first OnePlus Open. Given Oppo’s decision to skip the Find N4 due to superstitions around the number, many assumed the N5’s arrival would hint at the next OnePlus Open model. However, OnePlus dashed those hopes by officially confirming that there will be no OnePlus Open 2 in 2025.

This announcement raises questions about the future of OnePlus’ foldable lineup, especially amid reports of Google canceling the Pixel Tablet 2 and Samsung witnessing a decline in Galaxy Z series sales. The overall outlook for large-screen Android devices seems uncertain.

Google Prepares for a Big May

Google has a lot in store for the coming months. On the software front, the annual Google I/O conference has been officially scheduled for May 20-21, with AI likely to be a major focus once again.

For hardware enthusiasts, Google may also have new products on the horizon. Last year, the Pixel 8a was released just before I/O, and a similar pattern appears to be emerging in 2025. Leaks surrounding the Pixel 8a have intensified, with images showcasing its front design, official-looking cases hinting at its color options, and a comprehensive leak revealing the device from all angles.