- By Alex David
- Wed, 14 May 2025 01:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Samsung may soon roll out One UI 8, its next major software update based on Android 16, as early as this summer. While One UI 7 continues to roll out to several Galaxy devices, leaks and insider reports indicate that internal tests of Android 16 builds are already underway at Samsung. One UI 8 promises to bring subtle design changes, performance optimisations, and enhanced AI integration for Samsung smartphones and tablets that we will discuss here in this article. Although no official release timeline has been given, tech enthusiasts expect a beta release shortly after Google's stable Android 16 rollout. According to reports, flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 and S25 may be among the first devices receiving Samsung One UI 8. For more information on Samsung One UI 8, let's continue our reading in this article.
Firstly, let’s check out all the One UI 8 features and things we know so far through the leaks and rumours.
One UI 8 Features
There is not much revealed around One UI 8, as it’s yet in very early stages and still being tested internally. However, there are reports that One UI 8 will be more of an experience upgrade, as it will be based on Android 16. Previously, we have discussed some great Android 16 upgrades that we can expect for One UI 8 as well.
New & Updated Features in One UI 8
1. Now Brief
A smart assistant-style feature debuting on Galaxy Z Flip 6 and other 2024 flagships. Previously present in One UI 7's code but only functional starting with One UI 8. Will be made available to older devices through One UI 8.
2. Log Video Recording Support
Added to the camera app. First introduced with Galaxy S25 series. Now available on Galaxy Z Flip 6 via One UI 8 (not present in One UI 7 for this device).
3. Improved Quick Share
The interface is now divided into Send and Receive tabs.
The Receive tab allows users to make their device visible temporarily and exit when done — more flexible than previous visibility settings.
4. Quick Settings UI Change (Minor)
Some buttons in the quick settings panel are shaded (possibly a bug or early UI experiment).
5. Gallery App UI Refinement
Menu options are now encircled, making them visually distinct. No change in functionality, only visual polish.
General Observations
Minimal visual changes: The overall UI and UX remain largely unchanged from One UI 7.
No One UI 7.1: Samsung is skipping minor version updates and branding what may be a small update as One UI 8.
Android 16 Integration: Includes Android 16’s under-the-hood improvements, though many Pixel-exclusive features may not appear on Samsung devices.
Feature Redundancy: Some Android 16 features (e.g. lock screen widgets) already exist in One UI 7.
As One UI 8 will be based on Android 16, let’t checkout the leaked features of Android 16. So we will know how One UI 8 will be skinned over Android 16.
Android 16 Features
Android 16 features several improvements designed to create a more fluid, intuitive, and tailored mobile experience when combined with Samsung's One UI 8. These updates include Visual and Motion Enhancements which should help make using smartphones even simpler and intuitive.
Visual and Motion Enhancements
Smoother animations: App closings and notification dismissals now feel more natural thanks to spring-like motion effects when closing or dismissing apps or notifications.
Subtle background blur: Newly added blur effects in areas such as the notification shade and volume panel give depth and dimension to the user interface.
Improved haptic feedback: Physical responses tied to UI interactions offer a more immersive, tactile feel.
UI Personalization and Layout
Updated colour themes: Improved Material You dynamic theming reflects your wallpaper and preferences more vividly.
Responsive components: User interface elements that respond more fluidly to different screen sizes and user settings are known as responsive components.
Enhanced typography: Reward legibility and style through bolder, more contemporary font treatments.
Home screen layout upgrade: Widgets and icons benefit from improved grid alignment, making the home screen seem more organized.
Quick Settings redesign: Provides more flexibility for toggles and tiles to meet the individual usage patterns of our users.
Real-Time Updates
Live Updates: Android 16 offers one of the standout features with Real-Time Updates: this shows real-time data such as food delivery progress, ride sharing arrival times or sports scores directly on the lock screen and notifications.
Wear OS 6 : Samsung Galaxy Watch-series
Wear OS 6 will launch alongside Android 16 to bring visual and functional enhancements to Samsung's Galaxy Watch series and other wearables:
Curved screen-aware animations: Interface animations can follow the curves of round watch displays to mimic them seamlessly.
Compact edge buttons: Controls have now been placed closer to screen edges for easier accessibility.
System-wide dynamic theming: Colour schemes extend throughout the UI for visual consistency.
One UI 8 Update Timeline
One UI 8 Beta Testing
Samsung has already begun internal testing of One UI 8 and early indications suggest that its beta program may be shorter and more limited than previous years' programs. Where previous releases offered wide access, with One UI 6 and 7 being widely accessible betas available across multiple models; One UI 8's Android 16-based beta may only be available on select flagship models at first.
Samsung Galaxy users won't have long to wait before experiencing its revolutionary software experience. Google announced during a recent episode of The Android Show that Android 16 will reach stable release phase next month; as this means for Samsung users, One UI 8--the custom skin based on Android 16 developed specifically by Samsung--could roll out as early as this summer.
First Android 16 will release in Google I/O 2025 on 20-21 May. Soon after that Samsung will announce the Beta for its flagships. As Samsung has already begun internal testing of One UI 8, there is a possibility that this year’s beta programme could be shorter and more limited than previous years. Unlike the wider Betas of One UI 6 and 7, the initial Android 16-based One UI 8 beta might only be available on select flagship models.
The rollout is expected to follow the usual pattern:
Beta and Stable Release First for:
- Galaxy S25 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
Pre-installed on Upcoming Devices:
- Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 7
One UI 8 Eligible Devices List
Here is the list of Samsung devices that will be eligible for One UI 8 update. Checkout if your device is eligible for the update. However, note that this list is not confirmed by Samsung. These are just the devices that should receive the update based on their update policy.
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S25
- Galaxy S25+
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Galaxy S25 Edge
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S21 FE
Galaxy Z series
- Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A73
- Galaxy A56
- Galaxy A55
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A36
- Galaxy A35
- Galaxy A34
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A25
- Galaxy A24
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A15 (LTE+5G)
- Galaxy A14 (LTE+5G)
- Galaxy A16 (LTE+5G)
- Galaxy A06
Galaxy Tab series
- Galaxy Tab S10+
- Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10 FE
- Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab S9+ (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab S9 (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab S8+ (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab S8 (Wi-Fi/5G)
- Galaxy Tab A9
- Galaxy Tab A9+
Galaxy F series
- Galaxy F55
- Galaxy F54
- Galaxy F34
- Galaxy F16
- Galaxy F15
- Galaxy F06
Galaxy M series
- Galaxy M56
- Galaxy M55s
- Galaxy M55
- Galaxy M54
- Galaxy M34
- Galaxy M53
- Galaxy M33
- Galaxy M16
- Galaxy M15
- Galaxy M06
Galaxy XCover series
- Galaxy XCover 7
- Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
Final Thoughts
Android 16 and One UI 8 promise a responsive, aesthetically appealing, and intelligent user experience. From smoother motion and updated design language to Live Updates and haptic upgrades, this release marks an evolution for Android--with Samsung Galaxy users among those to directly benefit.