Samsung Accelerates One UI Updates by Adopting Googles Trunk-Based Development Model for Enhanced Efficiency

Earlier this month, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, marking the debut of Android 16, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system, on these devices. To enhance the efficiency of Android development, Google transitioned to a more streamlined and resource-effective trunk-based development method earlier this year, and it appears that Samsung has adopted a similar approach. This shift should facilitate quicker updates going forward, especially given the prior delays experienced with the rollout of its One UI 7 (Android 15) update.

Implementation of the Trunk Stable Development Model by Google and Samsung

According to Android Authority, Google’s Trunk Stable model for Android development occurs on its internal Android branch. While the company incorporates support for various functionalities, these are concealed behind feature flags that can be activated or enabled upon the official release of the software.

Trunk Stable is reportedly much more efficient compared to the older branch-based development model that Google used previously. In the past, Google’s developers would consistently add features throughout the development cycle, merging these alterations into the main Android branch only upon completion.

This approach frequently led to numerous bugs and complications that required additional time for resolution. Consequently, this caused delays in the development timeline, detracting from the overall quality of the operating system as issues were addressed. In contrast, the trunk-based model ensures enhanced stability, allowing features to be activated as soon as they are fully developed.

Samsung has adopted a similar development strategy to that of Google, working on its One UI interface through a unified development branch, as reported by Samsung Electronics EVP Sally Hyesoon Jeong during a roundtable discussion earlier this month. The company is also striving to synchronize its One UI software releases with Google’s future Android updates.

Although Samsung managed to quickly deploy its Android 14-based One UI 6 update in 2023, the following version encountered significant delays and was rolled out to compatible devices months after its initial announcement. It remains uncertain if this setback influenced Samsung’s choice to switch to the more resource-efficient (and stable) development framework implemented by Google for the launch of Android 16 in June, ahead of its typical timeline.