Samsung Begins Testing One UI 8 Based on Android 16: Latest Features & Release Timeline

Samsung has officially started testing One UI 8 based on Android 16, marking the beginning of the next evolution in its custom Android skin. With Google preparing for the Android 16 release, Samsung is already ahead of schedule, launching its first internal test builds. This move signals a potentially faster rollout compared to previous versions, where delays were common. But what can users expect from One UI 8? Which devices will receive the update first? And how does it compare to One UI 7? Let’s explore everything we know so far.

Samsung's One UI 8 Testing Begins

First Test Build Spotted on Samsung’s Servers

According to tipster Tarun Vats, Samsung's first One UI 8 test build was spotted on Samsung’s firmware servers for the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. The test firmware versions include:

• S938BXXU1BYC1/S938BOXM1BYC1/S938BXXU1BYC1

This suggests that Samsung has started One UI 8 testing two months earlier than usual, possibly aiming for a swifter release timeline.

Which Samsung Devices Will Get One UI 8 First?

The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are expected to be the first devices to ship with One UI 8 out of the box. However, Samsung will likely extend the update to a broad range of Galaxy devices, including the latest foldables, flagships, and even select mid-range models.

Expected One UI 8 Eligible Devices:

• Galaxy S25 series (Pre-installed)

• Galaxy S24 series

• Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Z Flip 6

• Galaxy Tab S10 series

• Select Galaxy A-series models

For a detailed list of eligible devices, check out Samsung’s official software support page.

One UI 8: What’s New?

1. Android 16 Features Integration

One UI 8 will incorporate Android 16’s latest enhancements, which could include:

• Smarter UI customization with improved AI-powered personalization.

• Advanced battery optimizations to enhance power efficiency.

• New privacy and security controls, aligning with Google's latest security updates.

2. Improved Performance & Stability

With Samsung optimizing One UI 8 earlier than usual, we might see:

• Faster app launch speeds and improved multitasking.

• More refined animations and UI transitions.

• Smoother system-wide performance with better RAM management.

3. New UI & Design Changes

Samsung is expected to introduce refined visual elements:

• More customization options for lock screens and Always-On Display.

• Updated notification panel with more interactive elements.

• Smoother transitions and animations to enhance user experience.

4. Better Samsung Ecosystem Integration

Samsung may also introduce deeper integration with Galaxy AI and other Samsung ecosystem products, ensuring:

• Seamless device connectivity between smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

• Improved Samsung Notes & Samsung DeX functionality.

• More AI-powered camera and editing features.

How Does One UI 8 Compare to One UI 7?

Expected Release Timeline for One UI 8

Samsung is known for its phased software rollout, and the timeline for One UI 8 is expected to follow a similar pattern:

• March 2025: First internal test builds spotted.

• June 2025: Google releases Android 16 stable version.

• July - August 2025: Samsung opens One UI 8 Beta Program for flagship devices.

• September - October 2025: Official rollout for Galaxy S25, S24, and Z-series foldables.

• Late 2025 - Early 2026: Gradual expansion to other eligible devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will One UI 8 be released? 

Samsung is expected to launch One UI 8 Beta in July 2025, with the stable version arriving by September or October 2025.

2. Which devices will get One UI 8 first? 

The Galaxy S25 series will come with One UI 8 pre-installed, while flagship devices like the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 will be among the first to receive the update.

3. Will One UI 8 bring major design changes? 

While the core One UI design will remain familiar, expect smoother animations, updated UI elements, and enhanced customization features.

4. What’s new in One UI 8 compared to One UI 7? 

One UI 8 is expected to improve performance, battery life, AI features, and Samsung ecosystem integration over One UI 7.

Related Articles

• Samsung Announces One UI 7 Beta

• Samsung Phones Eligible for the One UI 7 Update 

• Samsung Galaxy A56 Arrives with Six Years of Software Updates 

Conclusion

• Samsung’s early testing of One UI 8 based on Android 16 indicates a proactive approach to software development. 

• With faster performance, refined UI, deeper AI integration, and improved Samsung ecosystem connectivity, One UI 8 is shaping up to be a major upgrade.

• If Samsung maintains this accelerated timeline, we could see One UI 8 roll out sooner than previous versions, making it an exciting update for Galaxy users worldwide.