All of Samsung's existing foldable phones are about to get a whole lot of new features, as they become eligible to be upgraded to the One UI 4.1.1 software used on the latest generation Flip 4 and Fold 4 devices. It will bring them vastly improved multitasking, new camera features, and a much more useful cover screen.

And in more good news for Samsung gadget fans, the Galaxy Watch 4 series will be updated to the latest One UI Watch 4.5 software, which launched on the new Galaxy Watch 5. The Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 will also receive select features from the software.

New Features Coming to Old Galaxy Foldables

The entire range of Samsung's foldable phones is getting upgraded to One UI 4.5. The process begins immediately with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, before extending to the Z Fold2, the Z Flip, and the original Z Fold.

One UI 4.5 was widely heralded by reviewers as being a big leap forward in the functionality and usability of foldable devices, so will help to bring the older models right up-to-date.

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Among the features users of Samsung's older folding phones will be able to access, are:

  • The new Taskbar, with its PC-like layout that makes it easier than ever to switch between apps.
  • Drag and drop support, a split-screen view, and even the ability to have apps open in their own pop-up windows.
  • Gesture support, making the new multitasking features more accessible.
  • The ability to use the rear camera for selfies by using the cover screen to preview your shots.
  • FlexCam mode, which enables you to angle your camera using the phone's hinge and is ideal for group shots.
  • An enhanced cover screen that allows you to make calls or answer texts without opening the phone.

Galaxy Watch Updates

On top of the improvements to the Flip and Fold phones, some of Samsung's old smartwatches are also getting big updates. The Watch 4 series will be able to get the latest One UI Watch 4.5 software. This includes new watch faces and more ways to customize them, along with a new QWERTY keyboard to augment the existing input methods.

galaxy watch new features - blood presure

The Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 devices will also get select features from the update, including a range of health features like snore detection and blood pressure measuring through the Samsung Health Monitor app.

The release date for these updates hasn't yet been confirmed.

Samsung Continues Its Great Update Policy

That Samsung is keeping its old devices up to date is no surprise. The company has by some margin the best update policy in the Android world. The Fold and Flip phones are expensive, but knowing that they will continue receiving new features for a good four years makes them a much safer investment.