Samsung halts Android 16 rollout for Galaxy S23 and S24 amid stability concerns
It affects both unlocked and carrier models, with update files now reportedly pulled from Samsung’s servers in key regions, including South Korea, the company’s home market, and several parts of Europe.
Samsung Electronics has abruptly paused the rollout of its Android 16-based One UI 8 update for its flagship Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 devices following reports of unexpected software issues and user complaints surfacing in early release markets.
It affects both unlocked and carrier models, with update files now reportedly pulled from Samsung’s servers in key regions, including South Korea, the company’s home market, and several parts of Europe.
More To Read
- Samsung Galaxy Ring user hospitalised after battery swells on finger
- AI on TVs: Samsung brings Microsoft Copilot to 2025 TVs and monitors
- Windows 11 to get Android App continuity feature
- Your phone is covered in germs: Tech expert explains how to clean it without doing damage
- Google unifies Android and Chrome OS to power AI-driven cross-device experience
- Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch8 with Gemini AI, antioxidant-level monitoring
The rollout, which began in mid-October, was expected to reach millions of users by the end of the month.
“We are currently reviewing the One UI 8 (Android 16) update following isolated issues reported by early adopters,” a Samsung official stated anonymously to local media. “The rollout will resume once stability is verified.”
One UI 8, built on Google’s Android 16 platform, introduced several anticipated features, including enhanced AI integration, smoother multitasking, and expanded personalisation options.
However, within days of launch, users began reporting battery drain, touch response lag, fingerprint recognition failures, and occasional app crashes.
Although the issues have not been confirmed as widespread, Samsung appears to be acting preemptively, aiming to avoid a larger backlash and potential device damage.
Impacted devices
Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra: Update now unavailable through OTA and Smart Switch.
Galaxy S23 series: Rollout suspended shortly after initial release, with no current access to new builds.
Some users who installed the update claim their devices function normally, while others have noted minor performance drops.
On Samsung forums and Reddit, users expressed both frustration and appreciation.
“I was excited for the new AI features, but my phone started overheating during basic tasks. Glad they’re pulling it now,” said one S23 Ultra user in Germany on Reddit.
“Samsung was pushing this as a polished release. Pulling it back this soon doesn’t inspire confidence,” another commented.
This is not the first time Samsung has paused a major Android update.
In 2023, a similar halt occurred during the One UI 6.1 deployment due to camera and biometrics glitches. Each time, Samsung resumed rollout within 1-3 weeks after resolving core issues.
Analysts suggest Samsung will now conduct targeted internal testing and likely push out a patched version (possibly One UI 8.0.1) once stability is confirmed.
However, no official information has been provided on when the rollout will resume.
Top Stories Today
