- One UI 8 beta starts in May with Android 16 as base
- There will be performance improvements, redesigned apps and visual changes.
- A stable release is expected between June and July.
- Galaxy S25, Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 will be the first to get the update
Samsung has officially begun its transition to Android 16 with One UI 8., one of its most anticipated software updates. After months of internal testing and multiple leaks, the South Korean firm is now ready for the launch of the first public beta, initially aimed at users of its most modern devices. Although the jump compared to previous versions It doesn't seem revolutionary at first glance, key improvements in both performance and design are expected.
The arrival of One UI 8 marks a change of pace for Samsung, which seeks to leave behind the Difficulties experienced with One UI 7. The new firmware will adapt the functionalities of Android 16 to its ecosystem, focusing more on optimizing existing features than on introducing radically new features. With this, the brand aims to offer a more seamless and unified experience.
Beta program launch date and devices included
From the third week of May 2025, One UI 8 beta rollout will begin. In this initial phase, the program will only be available in some markets and for a limited number of phones, including Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6This strategy allows Samsung to detect and correct errors before expanding access to more regions and models.
As the calendar progresses,The beta is expected to reach more devices during the month of June., with a planned stable launch between the end of that month and July. The global rollout, as usual, will be phased by region and device.
Visual improvements and functional changes
The current version of the system does not introduce a radical transformation, but it does introduce a series of tweaks that improve the overall experience. Among the most notable new features are a A more homogeneous interface, redesigns of applications such as the Gallery, the Weather app, the file manager, and a more functional Now Bar from the lock screen on foldable devices. There will also be new icons and more balanced animations.
Graphic effects such as pop-up menus with a translucent glass background, which add a touch of elegance without overloading the system. In the case of the Weather app, an animated avatar has been added that changes its appearance depending on the weather conditions, aiming to make the display more dynamic.
The Now Brief function is expanded with Listen Brief, an option that allows you to listen to daily summaries with relevant information by voice such as weather, events, or news. Additionally, Samsung DeX has been modernized with an interface closer to a desktop environment, making productivity easier.
Preliminary list of devices that will receive One UI 8
Samsung is preparing the One UI 8 release for a wide variety of modelsWhile the list is still preliminary, devices that are almost certain to receive the update include:
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S22, S23, S24, and S25 (all variants, including Plus and Ultra)
- Galaxy S21 FE, S23 FE and S24 FE
Galaxy Z Series (Foldable)
- Galaxy Z Fold4, Fold5, Fold6 and Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip4, Flip5, Flip6 and Flip7
Mid-range: Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A14, A24, A34, A54, A15, A25, A35, A55
- Galaxy A33, A53, A73
- Limited updates for Galaxy A06 and A16
Galaxy Tab Tablets
- Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra
Adaptation to Android 16 and focus on stability
The Android 16 base will allow Samsung to offer a smoother experience, although according to current analysis, an avalanche of new features is not expected. Instead, some new features have been implemented architectural improvements seeking greater stability, better integration with Google services, and significant progress in privacy and permission management.
Furthermore, Samsung has prioritized reducing development cycle times, avoiding unnecessary repetitions as occurred with previous versions. This results in a more restrained beta and a faster transition to the final version of the system.
For now, the The beta will be accessible to those registered in the Samsung Members program. in select regions. Users not on the initial device list may receive the update later, as the company typically expands its plans as the rollout progresses.
Samsung seeks to position itself as One of the fastest manufacturers to adopt new features in the Android ecosystemWhile the update doesn't come with any major revolutions, it does propose a coherent evolution focused on improving what really matters in the daily use of your mobile devices.
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