Skip to main content

Samsung’s One UI 5 beta is already available for some Galaxy S22 owners

Samsung’s One UI 5 beta is beginning to roll out for select Galaxy S22 owners via the Samsung Members app. Today, Samsung announced the early rollout would be exclusive to Germany, South Korea, and the U.S. — but it quickly pulled the announcement from its website without a replacement (likely a sign that the post went up earlier than it should have). While Samsung works on getting its timing right, folks who’ve gotten early access to One UI 5 have taken to Twitter to show off the new features.

As expected, One UI 5 puts customization at the forefront of the update. Now, Galaxy users will have nearly endless options when it comes to how they want their UI to look. Early examples that we’ve seen on Twitter include things such as expanded color options, widget stacking, and more ways than ever before to customize notification settings. All of this was detailed in the pulled presser that Samsung officially posted earlier today, in addition to details regarding other new features coming with the update.

Samsung Galaxy S22 held in hand.
Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

While additions like the streamlined sound and language settings are certainly exciting, perhaps the most intriguing parts of One UI 5 are the enhanced camera and accessibility options. The new camera features offer a handful of new things, such as useful guides that give users a nice walkthrough on how to use each of the Galaxy S22’s camera lenses properly. The new accessibility options are meant to make it easier than ever before for users to interact with their Galaxy devices using features like the Magnifier and new types of spoken assistance.

Recommended Videos

Screen recorder is miles better on One UI 5 beta

There are also some widget improvements pic.twitter.com/wyvW7YRuuI

— Anthony (@TheGalox_) August 5, 2022

Please enable Javascript to view this content

As pointed out in previous years, a beta for Samsung’s major UI update means that the next major Android update, in this case, Android 13, is just around the corner. While we’ve known to be anticipating Android 13 for quite some time, the launch of the One UI beta helps us get a much better understanding of when to expect the next major content drop.

If you have a Galaxy S22 and you’re looking to try out the One UI 5 beta, download and open the Samsung Members app, and you should have a notification via the bell symbol at the top of the main page that allows you to sign up. Take note that although Samsung said in its pulled presser that the beta would be available in the U.S., Germany, and South Korea, we haven’t seen any U.S. availability as of yet. An issue regarding regional access could be the reason why the company pulled the announcement, so it could be available in the U.S. at any time.

Peter Hunt Szpytek
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites…
OnePlus 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: What does the future hold?
OnePlus 13 versus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leaked renders.

The OnePlus 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of the most highly-anticipated phones launching early in 2025. Both pack premium features that place them among the best Android phones. Both are powered by Qualcomm's reenergized Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for mobile that is much more powerful than previous generations.

While the OnePlus 13 benefits from the company's legacy in superfast charging and exceptional value for money, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be the best phone if you want a long-term and reliable solution.

Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S25 release date may have leaked
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Orange.

The next major smartphone release is approaching quickly. According to tipster Abhishek Yadav (via SamMobile), Samsung is set to launch its Galaxy S25 series on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. While earlier rumors suggested that the actual date might be January 23, it’s clear that the arrival of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra is imminent.

It is not yet known whether January 22 is the date when Samsung will announce the new phones at an Unpacked event or if it is the official launch date. Earlier this year, the company announced the Galaxy S24 series on January 17, with a release date set for January 31.

Read more
Samsung has removed a helpful lock screen feature from its One UI 7 beta
The vertical app drawer in One UI 7.

Support for lock screen widgets may soon come to an end on Samsung devices. As discovered by a Reddit user (via Android Authority), this feature is missing in the latest One UI 7 beta version. If this change is carried over into the first public release of One UI 7, it would align Samsung's customized user interface more closely with Google Android, which removed native support for lock screen widgets starting with Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Currently, in One UI 6, Samsung users can add full-size widgets to a dedicated carousel on the lock screen by tapping the clock. This carousel exists alongside mini widgets that can also be used. However, in the current One UI 7 beta, users can only utilize mini widgets, as the carousel feature has been removed.

Read more