Galaxy S23 owners say Samsung did them dirty by leaving out this feature in One UI 8.5 update

95

Why AirDrop Is Missing from the Galaxy S23—and What It Means

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update, which began rolling out globally in May 2026, brings a slew of new features to its flagship devices—customizable lock screens, AI enhancements, and a more cohesive visual design. Yet, one standout feature absent from the Galaxy S23 series is AirDrop, a peer-to-peer file-sharing tool that has become a staple for Apple users and is now making its way to other Android devices. According to Android Authority, the omission is puzzling because the S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset technically supports the underlying Wi-Fi protocol (Apple Wireless Direct Link, or AWDL) required for AirDrop. Reddit users, including one who goes by Big-Salary9046, have accused Samsung of employing “planned obsolescence” by intentionally withholding features to push users toward newer models.

The hardware capability is not the issue—it’s the software and partnership decisions. AWDL requires rapid Wi-Fi channel switching, a task the S23’s Wi-Fi 7-capable module should handle. Yet, Samsung has not enabled AirDrop, leaving users to wonder if the company is prioritizing its own ecosystem over cross-platform utility. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S11 series, which received One UI 8.5 earlier this month, now includes AirDrop support, as confirmed by SamMobile. This inconsistency raises questions about Samsung’s strategy: Is AirDrop reserved for newer or more premium devices, or is there a deeper reluctance to integrate with Apple’s ecosystem?

The frustration among S23 owners is compounded by the fact that this update may be their last major software refresh. The S23 series, launched in early 2022, was promised four major OS upgrades, and One UI 8.5—based on Android 16—is the final one, as Tech-Ish notes. For many, the lack of AirDrop isn’t just an inconvenience; it feels like a deliberate exclusion designed to limit the phone’s longevity.

Samsung’s Update Rollout: Who Gets What—and When

Samsung’s update strategy has been anything but orderly. The One UI 8.5 rollout began on May 6 in South Korea, with the Galaxy S25 and S24 series getting priority. The Galaxy S23 line followed, but the Galaxy S22—launched in early 2022—was left in the dust, receiving only a security patch in May 2026. This oversight sparked backlash, with users calling the update rollout “chaos” on Samsung’s community forums. The company finally responded, promising the S22 series would get One UI 8.5 starting May 26, 2026—a date that aligns with Samsung’s usual practice of waiting for Korean working days to clear before global rollouts.

The update hierarchy extends beyond the S series. Mid-range devices like the Galaxy A56 and A36 are also receiving One UI 8.5, as reported by SammyGuru. These devices are getting a taste of the new UI and features, including AI tools, even if they miss out on some of the more advanced capabilities. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE and FE+ have also joined the One UI 8.5 party, with the update now rolling out in India for the Galaxy S23 FE, according to GSMArena. The message is clear: Samsung is prioritizing its newest and most premium devices, leaving older models to languish.

What’s more, Samsung is already looking ahead. Beta testing for One UI 9, based on Android 17, began last week for the Galaxy S26 series in the US, UK, Germany, and Korea. A wider rollout is expected in June or July, with the stable version debuting alongside the new foldables in late July. This rapid pace suggests that Samsung is eager to shift focus from One UI 8.5 to the next major release, potentially leaving older devices like the S23 and S22 even further behind.

The Obsolescence Accusation: Is Samsung Intentionally Limiting Its Phones?

The absence of AirDrop on the Galaxy S23 is not just about missing a feature—it’s about the perception of intentional neglect. Reddit users and tech forums are abuzz with accusations that Samsung is using software updates as a tool to shorten device lifespans. The argument goes like this: if a phone’s hardware can support a feature but the software doesn’t, it’s not just an oversight—it’s a calculated move to make the device feel outdated sooner.

There’s precedent for this in the tech world. Companies have been accused of planned obsolescence for years, from throttling older iPhones to limiting software support on budget devices. Samsung, however, has not publicly commented on the AirDrop omission or the broader update strategy. The company’s silence only fuels speculation, especially as it rolls out One UI 8.5 to newer and mid-range devices while leaving the S23 and S22 in the lurch.

For consumers, the stakes are high. The S23 series is already nearing the end of its software support cycle. Without major updates, these phones risk becoming less secure and less functional over time. The lack of AirDrop isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a signal that Samsung may be prioritizing sales of newer models over the longevity of its existing user base.

What’s Next for Galaxy S23 Owners—and Samsung’s Future

For now, Galaxy S23 owners have little recourse. The update rollout is underway, and Samsung has not indicated it will add AirDrop retroactively. The company’s focus is already shifting to One UI 9 and the next generation of devices, leaving older models in the dust. If the pattern holds, the S23 series may see only minor updates moving forward, with security patches but no major feature additions.

The bigger question is whether Samsung’s update strategy will alienate its existing user base. The company has long prided itself on offering long-term software support, but the inconsistent rollout of One UI 8.5—and the deliberate exclusion of features like AirDrop—could erode trust. For tech enthusiasts and power users, the lack of cross-platform tools like AirDrop is a dealbreaker. For casual users, it’s another sign that their phone is becoming obsolete.

Looking ahead, Samsung’s next move will be critical. If the company continues to prioritize newer devices over older ones, it risks losing the loyalty of users who invested in its flagship lineup. The rollout of One UI 9 and the introduction of new hardware in late 2026 will be a litmus test for Samsung’s commitment to its entire product ecosystem—or whether it’s willing to let some devices fade into irrelevance.

One thing is clear: the tech community is watching. And for Galaxy S23 owners, the wait for a fair update—and a feature as basic as AirDrop—is far from over.