Galaxy Fold 5 received the first test firmware with Android 16
Samsung is already actively working on a new version of its shell, One UI 8, based on Android 16. Recently, it became known that the company has started testing the firmware for the international version of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 folding smartphone.
Here's What We Know
This was reported by @Tarunvats in X and noted that a test version of the firmware for the SM-F946B model appeared on Samsung's server - this is the number of the international version of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The firmware has the number F946BXXU5FYG2, and according to the data, it is based on Android 16 and One UI 8.
This is not the first time that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been spotted with One UI 8. Last month, Geekbench reported on the US version of the smartphone (SM-F946U), which also ran on the new version of Android with Samsung's proprietary shell.
For now, Android 16 is officially available only in beta for the flagship Galaxy S25 series. However, testing on the sophisticated flagship hints that the company is preparing for a wider rollout of the update.
It is expected that the stable release of One UI 8 will take place along with the presentation of the new foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones, which is scheduled for 9 July 2025 at the Galaxy Unpacked event. After that, the update should gradually become available for other compatible devices.
Source: SamMobile
