• Source:JND

Samsung has reliably confirmed the launch is done, and the beta rollout is now in Korea and the US for the new One UI 8 based on Android 16 for the Galaxy S25 series. According to reports coming in from Korea, the beta was first released there. Also, the beta is now available in Korea for users who have unlocked their devices and unlocked T-Mobile Galaxy S25 devices which were previously locked. The software version also seems like quite a promising upgrade to the current version number S938NKSU3ZYER. The new update is more than 3 GB, unlike the previous versions. Later, Samsung also added that more users from advanced regions, along with more devices, are expected soon towards the later stages of the beta graph. More Information regarding device eligibility, region-wise updates on release and what new features Samsung has introduced in the update for the beta program interface has also been given further in the article.

One UI 8 Beta: Rollout Begins in South Korea and the US

Samsung has officially launched the One UI 8 beta in:

  • South Korea: The first country to receive the beta.

  • United States: Reports indicate rollout has begun for unlocked Galaxy S25 models and T-Mobile users.

This is a developing rollout, and confirmations from other regions are expected soon.

One UI 8 Beta Version and Requirements

  • Version Number: S938NKSU3ZYER

  • File Size: Just over 3GB

  • Connectivity: Download available only over Wi-Fi

  • Requirement: Ensure sufficient storage and a stable internet connection before downloading.

Eligible Devices for One UI 8 Beta

Samsung has cited the flagship smartphones as the starting point. Looking into current information, and with past insights, the following models are believed to be or are confirmed to be eligible.

Device

Eligibility Status

Galaxy S25

Confirmed

Galaxy S25 Plus

Confirmed

Galaxy S25 Ultra

Confirmed

Galaxy S25 Edge

Likely delayed

Galaxy S25 FE

Will ship with One UI 8

Galaxy S25 Edge

Believing that Edge is part of the S25 Series, it is likely that the device will be receiving the beta at a much later point because of the staggered development periods.

Galaxy S25 FE

Expected to be released later this year, the device is believed to have One UI 8 installed and thus will not be participating in the beta program.

Potential Expansion to Older Galaxy Devices

Similar to the strategy in the One UI 7 beta, Samsung might include older models in the broader One UI 8 beta at a later stage, which will most likely take many months. Other possible candidates for the future beta include:

- Galaxy S24 Series

- Galaxy Z Fold 6

- Galaxy Z Flip 6

- Select Galaxy A Series

- Some Galaxy Tablets

To provide context, the One UI 7 beta was first launched in December 2024 for the S24 series and was available to other devices by March 2025.

Regions Expected to Receive One UI 8 Beta First

Samsung has a pattern of starting the release of its beta programmes in a few selected countries, and these are:

- United States

- South Korea

- Germany

- United Kingdom

- India

- Poland

As listed, the regions have repeatedly been part of early beta waves in the past and are already seeing One UI 8 beta banner and forum activation within the Samsung Members App.

One UI 8 Beta Launch Timeline and Registration

Scheduled Date for One UI 8 Beta and Registration Launch Update The One UI 8 Beta Program rollout seems to be happening earlier than previous versions in alignment with what is considered the final release of Android 16, suggesting that registrations will open fully shortly for now.

How to Enroll in the Beta

1. Open the Samsung Members app.

2. Look for the "One UI Beta Program" banner.

3. Tap to enroll and start testing the new software.

Introducing Samsung’s New “Beta Program Home”

Samsung has added a new feature on the Beta Program Home section of the Members app. This central hub contains all of the beta's features and tools for easier navigation.

- One UI Beta

- One UI Watch Beta

- App Beta

- Beta Tips

Users can now join or leave beta projects from this page, use app recovery options, perform updates, and uninstall downgrades to more stable builds.

Final Thoughts

The One UI 8 beta based on Android 16 is now available for the Galaxy S25 series alongside their US counterparts. South Korea will be the first country to try it out in the coming weeks; it will slowly roll out to other countries afterwards. With its new Beta Program Home, the update aims to improve the overall experience with additional features during beta testing. Currently available on flagship devices, the beta will include other regions and devices soon. Expect more announcements on widespread access as Samsung increases its beta testing.