Skip to main content

Samsung’s Android 12 and One UI 4 update comes to the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 3

Samsung has made Android 12 and One UI 4 available to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 just weeks after releasing the update to the Samsung Galaxy S21 family. The update has dropped first in the company’s native Korea, but will likely be making a worldwide rollout in the next week or so.

As with the S21’s release that came last month, One UI 4 and Android 12 bring enhanced customization and security features to Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 owners. These include a new feature that themes your phone with the color of your wallpaper, customizable emoji, and more. Privacy wise, OneUI 4 owners will now see indicators when their cameras or microphones are in use, preventing apps from accessing those clandestinely.

Recommended Videos

“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, executive vice president and head of the Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, upon the original announcement of the One UI 4 release. “One UI 4 delivers on that promise, equipping Galaxy smartphone users with the latest customization and privacy features. But we won’t stop there. Soon, other smartphone and tablet users will also be able to benefit from this software update, enabling a more seamless experience across our entire ecosystem.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

One UI 4 and Android 12 is available on the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung is also expected to bring One UI 4 to the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20, Z Fold 2, and Z Flip 5G this month, therefore upgrading all of its most recent flagships before the end of the year.

In related news, Google is working on Android 12L, an update to Android 12 that’s focused on improving support for foldables such as the Fold 3. When it debuts, it’ll likely be a more fully fleshed-out and holistic experience for Fold owners than the current release.

Michael Allison
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…
Samsung just teased two folding phones we can’t wait for
A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are gaining in popularity. However, their high prices may deter many potential buyers. Samsung seems aware of this issue and plans to eventually introduce foldable models aimed at the lower end of the market.

On X (formerly Twitter), leaker @Jukanlosreve says that a Samsung executive recently highlighted the need to expand the reach of foldable phones. In a conference call, they noted that the company is “considering ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products, given the high satisfaction among existing foldable users.”

Read more
We just got an early tease for Samsung’s next folding phones
Samsung Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Samsung, like most other phone manufacturers, sticks to a pretty predictable schedule: a new numbered iteration per model per year. That's why we weren't surprised to hear that a Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 were slated for 2025, but we now have confirmation. Their codenames just leaked, and we also learned of an unexpected third model.

GalaxyClub broke the news after receiving information from Samsung. According to the site, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is code-named B7, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is code-named Q7. There's also a third model with the code name Q7M, but it's not clear what this entry actually is. Since it bears a derivative code name, this handset is likely a spinoff of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — though we don't know what that entails.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is slimmer, yet more powerful
Rear view of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.

Samsung has just pulled a bit of a surprise by giving a svelte design makeover to its flagship foldable phone. Earlier today, the company introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in its home market.

The latest foldable phone from Samsung makes a couple of key upgrades in the design and camera departments. First, Samsung has shaved off 1.5 millimeters of thickness compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The weight, however, has only reduced by 3 grams, so it's hardly much of a difference.

Read more