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

By Michael Allison December 6, 2021

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.

“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.”

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Michael Allison

Mobile News Writer

A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…

Mobile

If the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra is real, it needs these 7 features

A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, showing the screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is stupendously powerful and expensive — and I should know because I just bought one. It seems beyond the realms of possibility that Samsung would try to push out an even more expensive version of its already expensive phone, but the Korean company continues to surprise. Rumors abound that Samsung will announce not just the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in the summer but an Ultra model as well.

It hardly seems conceivable that Samsung could cram any more into its ultra-premium foldable smartphone, but as ever, we have some ideas. If the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra is real, then it needs to pack in some seriously impressive tweaks and additions to make an undoubtedly even higher price worthwhile. Here are seven features it should have.
A slot for the S Pen
Galaxy S23 Ultra (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: news, rumored price, release date, and more

Renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, showing the front and back of the phone.

As we get deeper into 2024, it’s only a matter of time before we see Samsung reveal its next round of foldables. This should include the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 6.

The rumors for these devices are starting, and we should expect to see the next generation of foldables hit sometime around summer. But what does Samsung have in store for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, specifically? From the rumored prices, specs, design, and more, here's everything we know.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: release date
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 (left) and Galaxy Z Fold 5 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

Samsung may have a big surprise in store with its next folding phone

A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, showing the screen.

As Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 continues in Barcelona, Spain, there are whispers that Samsung could be releasing not one, but two Galaxy Z Fold 6 models. More specifically, one of them could be a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, at least according to a report from WinFuture. If this is the case, it will be the first time that Samsung releases two Z Fold variants at the same time — and the first time we've seen an Ultra model in the Z Fold family.

For some time now, there has been a rumor that Samsung was possibly launching a second “fold” in the Galaxy Z series, which currently includes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, most of the rumors up until this point have suggested that a second “Fold” model would have been a cheaper, more affordable variant. However, that may not be the case.