Samsung One UI 8: A New Era of Software Intelligence

Samsung’s One UI has been a cornerstone of the Galaxy experience, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics that sets Galaxy devices apart from other Android phones. With One UI 7 now widely available, attention has shifted to the next major update: One UI 8, based on Android 16. This update represents not just an incremental improvement but a fundamental shift in how Samsung approaches its software releases.

According to Samsung’s official newsroom, “One UI 8 is coming, and early access is now available through its beta program — kicking off a new era of software intelligence that brings a true multimodal AI agent designed for various Samsung Galaxy form factors.” This statement underscores the significance of this update, particularly its focus on AI integration and optimization for different device types, including Samsung’s popular foldable lineup.

One UI 8 Release Date: Breaking the Traditional Pattern

Historically, Samsung has aligned its major One UI releases with Google’s annual Android update cycle, typically launching in the fourth quarter (October or November). However, One UI 8 is breaking this pattern completely. According to official information from both Samsung and Google, Android 16-based One UI 8 will be released this summer in 2025.

This accelerated timeline marks a significant shift in Samsung’s update strategy, aiming to align more closely with Google’s release schedule. The stable version is expected to arrive as early as July 2025, months ahead of Samsung’s traditional fall update window. This change is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the anticipated launch of Samsung’s new foldable devices—the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7—which are expected to ship with One UI 8 preinstalled.

One UI 8 Beta Program: How to Get Early Access

Samsung officially launched the One UI 8 beta program on May 28, 2025, starting with the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in Germany, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This early access program allows users to experience the new features and provide feedback before the stable release.

To join the beta program, eligible users can apply through the Samsung Members app using the new sign-up process. Unlike previous beta launches, Samsung surprised Galaxy users by releasing this program without any major official announcement, suggesting a more streamlined approach to software testing.

The beta program follows Samsung’s usual approach of starting with flagship devices and expanding to other models later. According to industry sources, Samsung is already preparing One UI 8 Beta 2 for the Galaxy S25 series and may soon extend the beta program to other devices, including the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra.

Key Features of One UI 8

According to Samsung’s official newsroom, One UI 8 will introduce an enhanced AI experience that makes everyday tasks smarter and more convenient by building upon the AI features first introduced in the Galaxy S25 series. The update focuses on three main areas:

1. Multimodal Capabilities: Enabling natural, seamless communication with AI that understands what you’re looking at or watching in the moment.
2. Form Factor-Optimized UX: A user experience tailored to different device types across the Galaxy portfolio, boosting productivity and efficiency.
3. Personalized, Proactive Suggestions: AI that recognizes your context and offers customized insights to support your daily routine.

Features like “Now Bar” and “Now Brief” will deliver even more customized insights and suggestions to help users stay on top of tasks and support their daily routines through curated AI information. Samsung emphasizes that this intelligent, personalized AI experience is built on a foundation of robust security through Samsung Knox Vault, which isolates sensitive data from the rest of your user data.

Beyond AI enhancements, One UI 8 will introduce several practical improvements to everyday usability:

• Auracast Support: A broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio that will support effortless audio connection via QR code scanning and sharing.
• Enhanced Reminder App: More convenient and intuitive features for managing tasks, including voice-enabled reminders and improved list sharing.
• Improved Quick Share: Simplified file sharing with a single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel.
• QR- and NFC-Enabled Support: Faster and more convenient customer support at repair centers, accessible right through Samsung Account.

One UI 8 Eligible Devices: Will Your Galaxy Get the Update?

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the complete list of devices eligible for One UI 8, we can make reliable predictions based on Samsung’s official software update policy. Samsung now offers up to seven years of OS upgrades for select flagship devices (starting with the Galaxy S24 series) and four years for others, alongside five years of security updates for many models.

Mid-range models like the Galaxy A55 and A35 may also qualify under the four-year policy. However, older devices like the Galaxy S21 series might miss out, as their four-year support period may end before One UI 8 arrives.

Last updated: June 1, 2025