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Technology
14 April 2025

Samsung Halts One UI 7 Update Over Serious Bug

The global rollout of One UI 7 is paused due to unlocking issues reported by users.

In an unexpected turn of events, Samsung has halted the global rollout of its much-anticipated One UI 7 update due to the discovery of a serious bug that has left some Galaxy S24 users unable to unlock their devices. The update, which is based on the latest Android 15, first began its rollout on April 7, 2025, but has now been pulled from servers worldwide just a week later.

The One UI 7 update was initially met with excitement after months of delays, with users across South Korea and Europe beginning to receive the update last week. However, complaints quickly surfaced about significant issues, particularly among South Korean users who reported being unable to unlock their Galaxy S24 series devices. This prompted Samsung to act swiftly, leading to the decision to pause the rollout globally.

According to well-known leaker Ice Universe, the bug was serious enough to warrant immediate action. "Sudden! After the Korean Galaxy S24 series firmware was pushed, a serious bug was found, which led to the suspension of the push plan in all other countries, including China," Ice Universe tweeted. This sentiment was echoed by reports from SamMobile, which highlighted a critical bug affecting Samsung's Secure Folder, potentially exposing users' Gallery contents.

In a broader context, the One UI 7 update has faced significant hurdles during its rollout, having been delayed multiple times prior to its initial launch. Despite the anticipation, the update's launch has been marred by these issues, leading to concerns about the overall quality of Samsung's software delivery process. "Samsung’s handling of this Android 15 update has been less than stellar," noted one tech analyst, reflecting a sentiment shared by many users frustrated by the prolonged wait for the update.

Samsung confirmed that the update was accessible to users in several countries, including the United States, where the rollout began on April 10, 2025. However, the company has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reasons for the abrupt halt or provide a timeline for when users can expect the update to resume.

As of now, the firmware for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ models has been removed from Samsung's OTA servers in Korea and Europe, although the Galaxy S24 Ultra firmware remains available. This discrepancy has raised questions about whether the issues are specifically related to the Exynos 2400 chip, which powers the Galaxy S24 and S24+ in most regions outside the U.S., Canada, China, and Japan. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizes a Snapdragon chip globally, which may explain why its firmware remains accessible.

Samsung's decision to halt the update has left many users anxious about the impact on the rollout schedule for other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S23 series. Users who have already installed the One UI 7 update are now awaiting news on whether they will receive a patch to address the issues identified.

"For users of a Galaxy S24 or Fold 6 and Flip 6 who have not yet received the update, this may mean that they will have to wait a while longer for the new software," a source stated, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

As discussions about the halted One UI 7 update continue to proliferate on Samsung’s Korean forums, many users have expressed their frustration, highlighting that the update’s rollout has been plagued by delays and now, significant bugs. The company has been urged to enhance its testing processes to prevent such issues from recurring in the future.

This situation comes at a time when Samsung is under pressure to improve its software update track record. The One UI 7 update was expected to bring a host of new features and enhancements to users, making this pause particularly disappointing for those eager to experience the latest improvements.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Samsung will address these issues and when the One UI 7 update will be reinstated. As of now, the company has not provided a timeline for resolving the bugs or resuming the rollout, leaving many users in limbo.

In the meantime, the tech community is keeping a close eye on developments, with expectations that Samsung will need to act quickly to reassure its user base and restore confidence in its software update process. With the potential for One UI 8 to debut sooner than expected, based on current information suggesting that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will ship with Android 16, users are hopeful that Samsung can turn things around.

As this story continues to develop, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For now, users are advised to remain patient and monitor official channels for announcements regarding the One UI 7 update and its future.