Samsung Begins Android 15-Based One UI 7 Rollout for Galaxy A15 & A16 with Circle to Search

Samsung Rolls Out Android 15-Based One UI 7 to Galaxy A15 and A16 with Circle to Search

Samsung is on a software update spree once again, and this time it's the budget-friendly Galaxy A15 and A16 getting all the attention. As part of its commitment to expanding One UI updates across its lineup, Samsung has now started rolling out the Android 15-based One UI 7 update to the Galaxy A15 and A16 smartphones, beginning in South Korea.

Galaxy A15 & A16 with Android 15-based One UI 7 and Circle to Search

The update not only brings the powerful Android 15 experience to these entry-level devices but also adds AI-driven features like “Circle to Search”, alongside new customization tools, improved animations, and an overhauled UI design. The firmware version for Galaxy A16 is BYE2, while the Galaxy A15 gets version BYD5. Here's everything you need to know about the update, the features, and what users can expect.

🌍 Initial Rollout in South Korea — Global Launch Coming Soon

Samsung has officially kicked off the One UI 7 update for Galaxy A15 and A16 in South Korea, which is usually the first market to receive new firmware updates. This pattern often precedes a global rollout, and we can expect the One UI 7 update to land in India, Europe, and the United States within the next two weeks.

The Korean builds are being thoroughly tested to ensure stability and performance before expanding to broader markets. If you own either of these devices, it's time to stay alert and regularly check your Software Update section under System Settings.

🔍 Circle to Search Arrives on Galaxy A16 (Possibly A15 Too)

Perhaps the most exciting feature arriving with One UI 7 on the Galaxy A16 is “Circle to Search”, Samsung’s innovative on-screen search tool that was previously exclusive to higher-end Galaxy and Pixel phones. The Galaxy A16 now officially supports this feature, allowing users to circle, highlight, or tap on-screen elements to perform instant contextual searches using AI.

While not officially confirmed for the Galaxy A15, reports suggest the feature may have been enabled on that device too, offering even more value to users in the A-series segment. This AI-powered functionality puts the Galaxy A15 and A16 into a new level of utility, typically reserved for premium flagships.

🆕 What’s New in One UI 7 (Android 15)

The One UI 7 update is based on Android 15, which introduces a suite of privacy, personalization, and performance improvements. Samsung layers on its unique One UI skin, and version 7 is a significant step forward from previous versions. Below are the major enhancements users can look forward to:

🎨 Redesigned Quick Settings and Notification Panel

The Quick Settings panel now features bolder toggles, enhanced accessibility, and smoother transitions. The layout has been optimized to allow easier one-handed use, even on larger devices. Notification cards now feature unified rounded shapes and make better use of space.

🌈 Dynamic Color & Revamped Icons

Samsung has refreshed its entire suite of stock app icons with a more modern, minimal, and cohesive look. The UI now embraces dynamic color theming more fully, taking cues from your wallpaper to harmonize system accent colors across UI components.

🔒 Now Bar on Lock Screen

One of the standout additions is the Now Bar on the lock screen, which brings real-time updates (such as deliveries, rideshare updates, and media info) directly to your screen — even when it’s locked. It’s a smart fusion of usability and convenience.

🎛️ Improved Customization and Personalization

One UI 7 allows for finer control over wallpapers, fonts, widgets, and themes. You can now stack widgets more effectively, set different styles for lock and home screens, and even add new gesture actions.

🎞️ Smoother Animations & Transitions

Samsung has introduced new animation logic that makes scrolling, opening apps, and system transitions feel significantly smoother. This helps even budget devices like the A15 and A16 feel more premium in day-to-day use.

🔐 Enhanced Security and Privacy

Android 15 brings several security improvements, and Samsung has layered on additional protections with One UI 7. The update introduces new permission controls, background app behavior restrictions, and more transparent data access notifications.

Samsung Knox has also been updated to offer tighter sandboxing for apps, preventing unauthorized access and improving malware resistance. If you’re concerned about security, this update is a must-have.

📲 Firmware Details & Manual Installation

If you are in South Korea, or your phone is enrolled in the early access program, you can check if the update has arrived by going to:

Settings > Software Update > Download and Install

The build numbers are:

• Galaxy A16: BYE2

• Galaxy A15: BYD5

Make sure your device is charged to at least 50% and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before downloading.

📅 Global Rollout Timeline

Based on past updates and current rollout behavior, here’s a predicted global release timeline:

🧠 AI Enhancements in Budget Devices

The inclusion of Circle to Search on the Galaxy A16 signals Samsung’s shift towards democratizing AI features. While these kinds of capabilities were once exclusive to flagship models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung is now bringing AI to the budget segment, and that’s a big deal.

Samsung may also integrate other Galaxy AI features like Live Translate or Generative Edit to A-series models in the future, depending on performance feasibility. This update is not just about a design overhaul — it’s about pushing boundaries on what low-cost phones can do.

📦 Should You Upgrade Now?

Absolutely! One UI 7 is not a minor patch. It’s a full-blown software transformation. From UI redesign and smoother performance to advanced AI features, this update makes the Galaxy A15 and A16 feel like completely new devices.

If you rely on these devices daily, this update will make them more secure, more efficient, and significantly more enjoyable to use. With the added AI capabilities, the A16 especially becomes a compelling option for those wanting smart functionality at a budget price point.

📋 Final Thoughts

Samsung’s One UI 7 rollout based on Android 15 for the Galaxy A15 and A16 marks an important milestone. By starting with South Korea and preparing for global deployment, Samsung is once again proving its commitment to timely updates even in its budget lineup.

The addition of Circle to Search, an overhauled interface, and improved performance features means that users of these affordable handsets are getting a near-flagship experience in terms of software.

Stay tuned and keep checking for updates. Samsung is expected to expand availability quickly. And once it does, your Galaxy A15 or A16 will be smarter, smoother, and more secure than ever.

Have you received the One UI 7 update on your Galaxy A15 or A16? Share your experience in the comments below!