# Not Astonished, Merely Disheartened: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the One UI 7 Beta Oversight
In the constantly changing realm of technology, where innovation reigns supreme, disappointments are unavoidable. Yet, there’s a specific disappointment when it arises from industry giants like Samsung, a company that has been a key player in the foldable phone frontier. The recent exclusion of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 from the One UI 7 beta initiative stands as such a moment — not particularly shocking, but profoundly upsetting for fans of foldable devices.
## The Foldable Journey: Six Years Later
Foldable phones have progressed significantly since their debut. Samsung, arguably the trailblazer in this niche sector, has relentlessly expanded the possibilities of foldable gadgets. With the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series, the company has succeeded in crafting a product lineup that feels both avant-garde and functional. However, six years into this venture, users of foldable phones continue to feel sidelined in the larger smartphone landscape.
The absence of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 from the One UI 7 beta program is a stark illustration of this. While Samsung’s flat smartphones, like the Galaxy S24, enjoy swift access to new software updates, foldable devices are left on the sidelines. This is particularly aggravating considering the high price point of foldable phones, which often surpasses that of their flat counterparts.
## The Justification for Inclusion
Samsung’s choice to prioritize its flat smartphones over foldables can be justified from a commercial standpoint. Flat smartphones still hold the majority market share, and their consumer base is considerably larger. Nevertheless, this does not vindicate the neglect shown towards foldable devices, especially when they embody the forefront of smartphone technology.
Foldable phone users are inherently early adopters. They are eager to invest in cutting-edge technology and are more inclined to engage in beta programs. Including devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in the One UI 7 beta would not only acknowledge these users for their loyalty but also furnish Samsung with invaluable insights from a knowledgeable audience.
## The FOMO Element
The features unveiled in One UI 7, including enhanced Galaxy AI functionalities, the new “Now Bar,” and refined camera settings, are undeniably thrilling. For foldable users, the inability to access these features early feels like a squandered chance. It’s not solely about the software itself, but the experience of being part of the innovation journey.
This exclusion also sparks apprehensions about the future of One UI updates for foldable gadgets. If Samsung is finding it challenging to deliver updates to its latest foldable models, what implications does this have for older devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or even the Galaxy S23 Ultra? The postponement in rolling out Android 15 to foldables only compounds this ambiguity.
## The Matter of Priorities
Samsung’s choice to omit the Galaxy Z Fold 6 from the One UI 7 beta initiative is particularly perplexing given the company’s substantial resources. With nearly $60 billion in revenue reported in Q3 2024, Samsung has the capability to guarantee that all its premier devices receive prompt updates. The fact that the $850 Galaxy S24 is prioritized over the $1,800 Z Fold 6 feels like a slight to foldable users who have significantly invested in Samsung’s futuristic vision for smartphones.
This issue extends beyond mere fairness; it delves into the realm of dedication. By overlooking foldable devices, Samsung risks alienating a part of its audience that has been crucial in propelling innovation. If Google can feature its Pixel Fold in the Android 16 Developer Preview, there’s no logical reason Samsung can’t extend the same courtesy to its foldable range.
## The Broader Context
The disappointment regarding the One UI 7 beta exclusion reflects a larger dilemma within the tech sphere: the inclination to favor mass-market appeal over niche innovation. Foldable phones may still be a specialized product category, but they symbolize the future of mobile technology. Firms like Samsung are obliged to foster this innovation, not solely through hardware advancements but also through robust software support.
As we gaze into the future, it’s evident that foldable phones have the capability to transform our interactions with technology. However, to realize this potential, companies like Samsung must exceed merely launching new hardware. They need to ensure that their software evolves in tandem, offering foldable users the same degree of support and progression as their flat phone equivalents.
## Conclusion: A Call for Action
The exclusion of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 from the One UI 7 beta program is a missed chance for Samsung to showcase its dedication to foldable technology. While it’s not wholly surprising, it is indeed deeply disheartening. Foldable users merit better — not just due to the premium they pay, but also because they epitomize the future of the smartphone industry.
Samsung possesses the resources and expertise to take the lead in this domain.
