Samsung has officially confirmed the launch of its One UI 8 beta programme. The update, which is built on Android 16 and developed in partnership with Google, is initially being offered to the Galaxy S25 series. The first stable version of One UI 8 will arrive pre-installed on Samsung’s upcoming foldable flagships.
The company describes One UI 8 as a major advancement towards AI-powered functionality. According to Samsung, the update introduces “Intelligent multimodality enables you to have natural, seamless communication with AI that understands what you’re looking at or watching in the moment. The updated UX is optimized for the unique form factors across the Galaxy product portfolio, boosting your everyday productivity and efficiency”, allowing devices to understand and respond to what users are watching or interacting with in real time.
Beta availability and eligible devices
The beta release is now live in select regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea. The One UI 8 beta will be available in the Galaxy S25 series. Interested users can register for the beta via the Samsung Members app.
While Samsung has only officially confirmed the S25 series for the beta programme, several other devices are expected to receive the update in the near future.
The speculative list of eligible Galaxy devices includes:
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Galaxy S21 FE
Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7
Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
Galaxy A33, A53 and A73
Galaxy A14, A24, A34 and A54
Galaxy A15, A25, A35 and A55
Galaxy A06, A16
Galaxy A26, A36 and A56
Samsung appears to be reserving the most advanced features of One UI 8 for its foldable devices, particularly the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, which are expected to launch in the third quarter of 2025. These models are set to showcase the full potential of the new AI-powered interface, combining futuristic hardware with smarter software.
New features in One UI 8
The One UI 8 update is designed to enhance user experience across devices. Samsung, in its statement, said, “The official rollout of One UI 8 will introduce an AI experience that will make your everyday smarter and more convenient by enhancing the AI features first introduced in the Galaxy S25 series. There are three main factors that realize this: multimodal capabilities, UX tailored to different device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions”.
Samsung Mobile One UI 8 Beta Upgrade | Photo: Official website
Multimodal AI interaction:
Enhanced AI tools allow for personalised, context-aware assistance that adapts to users’ habits and preferences.
Device-optimised UI:
The user interface is refined to support a variety of screen formats, improving multitasking on foldables and tablets.
Revamped applications:
Updates to Samsung’s native apps, such as Reminder and Quick Share, introduce more intuitive designs and practical features for better productivity and sharing.
Improved audio connectivity:
Android 16 introduces Auracast, a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio that will support effortless audio connection via QR code scanning and sharing, allowing multiple Auracast devices like Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids to join a shared audio stream without the hassle of a complex manual setup.
Reminder app gets smarter
The updated Reminder app is designed to be a helpful companion for travel planning, offering a user-friendly interface even for first-time users. Whether you’re organising a family trip to New York or any other destination, you can manage all your tasks in one place. Sharing your to-do lists is as simple as tapping a button, and with voice support, you can add new reminders hands-free—even when you’re juggling shopping bags.