Essential Information
- The One UI 8 beta has launched for Galaxy S25 models in various regions, providing an initial glimpse at Samsung’s next software generation.
- Notable features of One UI 8 encompass advanced AI capabilities with multimodal support, customized user experience for various device types, and proactive recommendations.
- One UI 8 is one of the first platforms to accommodate Google’s Android 16, bringing enhancements to several user experience areas, including the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility options.
In a bid to end speculation, Samsung has officially begun the rollout of the initial One UI 8 beta for its newest flagship devices.
In a detailed blog post, Samsung announced that the One UI 8 beta is available starting today for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, which were released with One UI 7 earlier this year. The update is being distributed in regions like Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., though it does not extend to the Galaxy S25 Edge.
The South Korean tech giant has also indicated that a stable version of One UI 8 is expected to be released with the upcoming foldable devices this summer. It’s noteworthy that this next version is arriving so soon, especially since the One UI 7 rollout faced significant delays for Galaxy devices this year.
It’s encouraging to witness One UI 8 in action, as it’s among the first platforms to align with Google’s latest Android 16, which the company demonstrated earlier this month.
One UI 8 aims to establish “a new rhythm for Samsung’s software evolution with substantial UX and AI upgrades.” Similar to its predecessor, One UI 8 is focused on enhancing AI capabilities within the Galaxy S25 series, which includes three core elements: “multimodal functionality, user experience tailored for various device formats, and personalized, proactive suggestions.”
Improvements to the popular Now Bar and Now Brief features from One UI 7 will also be implemented, enabling them to provide even more customized insights and recommendations, helping users manage their tasks and daily routines through AI support.
Additionally, One UI 8 offers settings that allow users to process data solely on the device, with an option to choose cloud-based AI processing.
Samsung’s popular Auracast feature is set to receive enhancements, such as the ability to connect audio effortlessly through QR code scanning and sharing, as well as supporting multiple Auracast devices syncing with Galaxy Buds 3 and hearing aids—showcased recently in London by the company.
Furthermore, the revamped Reminder app on the Galaxy S25 series will unify all your reminders in one place with a new interface, allowing users to easily share a list of to-do items with a single touch. Quick Share is also anticipated to receive significant enhancements with this software update.
The extensive changelog for the latest beta reveals additional features, including easier file searching even when users do not know the exact file name. Samsung Internet will also undergo a redesign to improve quick access to features. Notable improvements in multitasking will include better display support and enhanced split-screen functionality.
Additional benefits of One UI 8 include improved Calendar features, new preset routines, and routine actions. Through Samsung Health, users can now challenge friends to running contests and set reminders for food intake. Various enhancements are expected across Communication, Camera, Accessibility, as well as Security and Privacy settings.
As the rollout has just begun, there’s potential for more hidden features in the One UI 8 beta. It remains uncertain whether the recently spotted redesign of the Weather app and the audio version of Now Brief were included in the initial beta firmware.