Samsung One UI 8 Update: Eligible devices, Release date and New Features

The One UI 7 rollout has been a total mess so far, with Samsung managing to upgrade only a few Galaxy devices to the Android 15-based version. Despite the sluggish progress, Samsung is already shifting focus to its next major software version – Samsung One UI 8 Update, which will be based on Android 16.

Samsung’s One UI has become a hallmark of its Galaxy ecosystem, offering a refined, user-friendly interface atop Android. With the troubled rollout of One UI 7 (based on Android 15) still unfolding, attention is already shifting to Samsung One UI 8 Update, which will bring Android 16 to Galaxy devices.

Latest News on Samsung One UI 8 Update

The One UI 7 rollout has been a rocky journey for Samsung, marked by delays, bugs, and a paused deployment for devices like the Galaxy S24 series due to issues such as device unlocking problems. As of mid-April 2025, Samsung has resumed pushing One UI 7 to select flagships in markets like South Korea, but the broader rollout is staggered, with some devices not expected to receive it until July 2025. Amid this chaos, leaks and reports about One UI 8 have emerged, signaling Samsung’s intent to recover with a smoother and faster release cycle for its next major update.

According to SamMobile, Samsung is already deep into One UI 8 development, with early builds tested on devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Posts on X and reports from 9to5Google indicate that One UI 8, based on Android 16, is shaping up to be a minor but refining update, focusing on polishing the changes introduced in One UI 7. A notable shift is Samsung’s accelerated timeline: unlike previous One UI versions, which typically trailed Google’s Android releases by months, One UI 8 is rumored to launch as early as July or August 2025, coinciding with the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, both expected to ship with One UI 8 preinstalled.

This unprecedented speed has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Forbes notes that Samsung’s push for a rapid One UI 8 release may be an attempt to overshadow the One UI 7 debacle, but it risks overlapping with the ongoing Android 15 deployment, potentially confusing users. A Redditor’s sentiment, echoed in Forbes, captures the frustration: “At this point, they should just cancel [One UI 7] and go straight to 8/Android 16.” Meanwhile, PhoneArena reports that Samsung is testing One UI 8 internally, with build versions like S938NKSU2BYD6 spotted on Korean test servers for the Galaxy S25 series, suggesting active preparation.

The leaked hands-on experience with One UI 8, shared by SamMobile, reveals minimal visual changes but confirms the inclusion of features like Now Brief for older flagships, which were initially reserved for One UI 7. This move indicates Samsung’s focus on feature parity across devices. However, Android Authority warns that the rushed One UI 8 timeline could strain Samsung’s development resources, especially if One UI 7 issues persist.

New Features in Samsung One UI 8 Update

One UI 8 is expected to be a refinement of One UI 7 rather than a revolutionary overhaul. Based on Android 16, it will incorporate under-the-hood improvements and select user-facing enhancements. Here’s a detailed look at the anticipated features, drawn from leaks and reports:

Smoother Animations and UI Tweaks: Sammy Fans highlights that One UI 8 will bring enhanced animations for a more fluid user experience. Leaked builds show subtle design tweaks in apps like Gallery and My Files, aligning with Samsung’s evolving design language.
Now Brief Expansion: A standout feature, Now Brief, is an AI-powered content summarization tool. While its code exists in One UI 7, it’s locked for older devices. SamMobile confirms that One UI 8 will enable Now Brief on 2024 flagships like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and potentially older models like the Galaxy S23 series, broadening access to this feature.
Log Video Recording: SamMobile reports that One UI 8 will expand log video recording capabilities to more devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 6. This feature, popular among content creators, allows for greater color grading flexibility in video production.
Android 16 Core Enhancements: As Android 16 is expected to drop as early as June 2025, One UI 8 will leverage its core improvements, such as better power efficiency, enhanced privacy controls, and optimizations for foldable displays. However, SamMobile notes that most Android 16 user-facing features may be exclusive to Pixel devices, with Samsung focusing on its own app ecosystem.
App-Specific Changes: Leaks shared on X by @thenameisazaz point to updates in Samsung’s native apps, including Gallery and file manager, with minor visual refinements. These changes aim to maintain consistency across the One UI interface.
Samsung Auto: An Android Auto alternative, dubbed Samsung Auto, was spotted in One UI 8 leaks by 9to5Google. While details are scarce, it could offer Galaxy-specific features for in-car connectivity, though its availability remains unconfirmed.

Despite these additions, One UI 8 is described as a “minor” update by SamMobile and Forbes, prioritizing stability and polish over flashy new features. This approach may reflect Samsung’s response to One UI 7’s criticism, aiming for a reliable release that restores user confidence.

Eligible Devices for Samsung One UI 8 Update

Samsung has not officially published a One UI 8 eligibility list, but based on the company’s update policy and insights from sources like SamMobile and Sammy Fans, we can compile a tentative list. Samsung typically offers four years of major OS updates for flagship devices and select mid-range models, with some older devices potentially excluded due to hardware limitations. Below is a list of Galaxy devices likely to receive One UI 8:

Smartphones

Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S25/S25+/S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra, Galaxy S23/S23+/S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22/S22+/S22 Ultra. The Galaxy S21 series may miss out due to its support window ending, though Sammy Fans suggests limited support is possible.
Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4.
Galaxy A Series: Galaxy A55, A35, A54, A34, and select 2023/2024 models like A25, depending on their update guarantee.
Galaxy M/F Series: Select models like Galaxy M54 and F54, though availability may vary by region.

Tablets

Galaxy Tab S Series: Galaxy Tab S10/S10+/S10 Ultra, Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra, Tab S9 FE/FE+.
Galaxy Tab A Series: Galaxy Tab A9/A9+, though some reports indicate a July 2025 release for One UI 7, suggesting One UI 8 may arrive later.

Other Devices

Galaxy XCover Series: Galaxy XCover 7, depending on Samsung’s enterprise support policies.

This list is speculative, as Samsung’s final eligibility will depend on hardware compatibility and regional policies. Users can check their device’s update status via Settings > Software Update to stay informed.

Release Date of Samsung One UI 8 Update

The release timeline for One UI 8 is notably aggressive compared to past One UI versions. Key points from reliable sources include:

July/August 2025: SamMobile, 9to5Google, and X posts by @TheGalox_ and @SamMobiles suggest One UI 8 will debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, expected to launch in July 2025. This marks the earliest major One UI release in Samsung’s history, following One UI 7’s April 7, 2025, rollout.
Rollout to Existing Devices: SamMobile indicates that One UI 8 could reach existing flagships like the Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 within three months of its debut, potentially by October 2025. However, non-flagship devices may see delays, with mid-range models like the Galaxy A55 possibly waiting until late 2025 or early 2026.
Beta Program: Unlike One UI 7, which had an extended beta phase, SamMobile reports that Samsung may skip a public beta for One UI 8 to expedite the rollout, though internal testing is already underway.

The accelerated schedule aligns with Google’s rumored June/July 2025 release for Android 16, allowing Samsung to close the gap with Pixel devices. However, Android Authority cautions that this timeline hinges on Samsung resolving One UI 7’s issues, as lingering bugs could delay One UI 8’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Samsung One UI 8 Update

1. What is One UI 8?

One UI 8 is Samsung’s custom interface based on Android 16, designed for Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and other devices. It focuses on refining One UI 7’s features, improving animations, and adding tools like Now Brief and log video recording.

2. Which devices will get One UI 8?

Eligible devices include recent flagships like the Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22 series, Z Fold/Flip 6/5/4, and Tab S10/S9 series, plus select A-series models like A55 and A35. Older devices like the Galaxy S21 may not qualify.

3. What are the key features of One UI 8?

Expect smoother animations, Now Brief for older flagships, log video recording, app design tweaks, and Android 16’s core enhancements like better power efficiency and privacy controls.

4. When will One UI 8 be released?

One UI 8 is expected to launch in July or August 2025 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, with rollouts to other devices starting as early as October 2025.

5. Will there be a One UI 8 beta program?

SamMobile suggests Samsung may skip a public beta to speed up the release, though internal testing is ongoing.

6. How can I check if my device is eligible for One UI 8?

Go to Settings > Software Update on your Galaxy device to check for update notifications or eligibility once One UI 8 rolls out.

7. Why is Samsung rushing One UI 8?

Samsung aims to recover from One UI 7’s troubled rollout and align with Android 16’s early release, potentially outpacing competitors like Google’s Pixel lineup.

Conclusion

Samsung’s One UI 8 promises to be a pivotal update, aiming to redeem the company’s software reputation after One UI 7’s challenges. With a focus on refinement, features like Now Brief and log video recording, and an ambitious July/August 2025 launch, One UI 8 could set a new standard for Samsung’s update cadence. While the list of eligible devices is extensive, covering recent flagships and select mid-range models, users should monitor official channels for confirmation. As Samsung navigates this accelerated timeline, the success of One UI 8 will depend on its ability to deliver a stable, polished experience.

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