Samsung has officially begun rolling out the beta version of One UI 8, its custom Android 16-based interface, giving Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra users early access to the update. The beta is now available in select regions — the US, UK, Germany, and South Korea — but notably excludes the Galaxy S25 Edge, for reasons not yet explained.
One UI 8 appears to center on AI improvements, a now-standard emphasis across the industry. Samsung says the update improves AI responsiveness, notably speeding up features like AI Select, which previously suffered from a short but noticeable startup delay. Still, aside from general performance enhancements and vague promises of more personalization, details on the supposed AI overhaul are limited at this stage.
The update also brings refinements aimed at better supporting the range of devices in Samsung’s portfolio, particularly foldables and tablets. This aligns with Google’s broader Android 16 push to improve multitasking and adaptive layouts. One notable new feature is a revised split-screen mode, allowing users to slide one app off to the edge of the screen temporarily, which may appeal to users who frequently multitask — particularly on large-format devices like Samsung’s upcoming Z Fold 7.
Beyond interface flexibility, the update touches on everyday tools. The Reminder app has been overhauled with a new layout that makes it easier to manage and share to-do lists. Quick Share, Samsung’s file transfer utility, now features a cleaner interface. Android 16’s support for Auracast is also included, allowing compatible hearing aids and Galaxy Buds 3 to tune into shared audio feeds — a feature with both accessibility and practical appeal in public spaces.
One UI 8 is expected to be fully rolled out this summer, timed to launch alongside Samsung’s next generation of foldable phones. While Samsung hasn’t detailed the full scope of what One UI 8 entails, the company claims it marks the start of “a new rhythm” in its software strategy — a likely nod to faster updates and better alignment with Android’s core development cycle.
Users interested in the beta can sign up via the Samsung Members app. While early access is generally aimed at enthusiasts and developers, the timing suggests Samsung is looking to speed up user feedback ahead of its next hardware wave. Whether this new approach translates into more consistent support across the broader Galaxy lineup remains to be seen, but it’s a step toward smoother integration and a more responsive update cadence — something the company has struggled with in the past.
