Just a day after Google released Android 11 to eligible Pixel devices, OEM partners such as OnePlus have begun releasing beta builds to users, gearing up to release the next major update to the OS. Now, Samsung is joining suit, as it has also announced that it is opening the One UI 3 Beta Program for developers.
While OnePlus opened the beta to more users yesterday, Samsung is calling the release a pre-beta phase, as it is only letting “approved developers” participate in this round of testing. Additionally, the devices targeted currently only include the S20 series of phones in the U.S. and South Korea. Interested developers can apply for access here. Here is the list of eligible device models:
| Country | Service Provider | Device Model |
|---|---|---|
| Korea, Republic of | KT / LGU+ / SKT / Unlocked | Galaxy S20 (SM-G981N), S20+ (SM-G986N), S20 Ultra (SM-G988N) |
| United States | Sprint / T-Mobile | Galaxy S20 (SM-G981U), S20+ (SM-G986U), S20 Ultra (SM-G988U) |
| Unlocked | Galaxy S20 (SM-G981U1), S20+ (SM-G986U1), S20 Ultra (SM-G988U1) |
The firm also notes that the pre-beta builds will be specific to compatibility testing, and that those rejected can wait for the public beta that will be released later. When the Beta Program does open to more devices and users, it will be first available in the U.K., the U.S., China, Germany, India, Poland, and South Korea.
As for One UI 3 itself, it is not clear what enhancements and features the company will be bringing to its OS skin, in addition to the improvements to Android 11. The company has promised three major Android version updates to a list of devices, which include flagships such as the Galaxy S10 and Note10 lineup.