Samsung One UI 8: Everything you need to know

One UI 8.0 is the eighth major iteration of Samsung’s One UI. It’s based on Android 16, and from our hands-on experience, it feels like a relatively minor update that’s closer to a x.1 release than a full generational jump.

With One UI 7 bringing substantial changes to the user interface, Samsung hasn’t repeated that overhaul with One UI 8. That's confirmed by the beta version of One UI 8 running on several smartphones, including the Galaxy S flagships and Galaxy Z flagships launched since 2023.

There are some minor UI changes in Samsung apps, such as encircled buttons in pop-out menus in apps like Gallery and a new blur effect for the background, but otherwise One UI 8 looks and feels almost identical to its predecessor. Fine-tuning is the main theme of this version of One UI, and it shows clearly in use.

One UI 8 is also light on new features. Android 16 itself is a relatively minor update from Google, focusing mostly on under-the-hood improvements, and Samsung hasn’t added much of its own.

Instead, Samsung’s focus is on bringing select Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7 features to older devices. Now Brief, a Galaxy AI feature that acts as a personal assistant by providing personalized suggestions and actions based on daily routines, is one such addition.

One UI 8 also makes it easier to erase audio in videos using the Audio Eraser feature. When watching videos in the Gallery app and a few other Samsung apps, you can tap the Audio Eraser button at the bottom right to automatically reduce background noise.

Some Galaxy S25 features that were previously added to the Galaxy S24 series with One UI 7 are now arriving on other devices as well. For example, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 both gain the log video recording camera feature with One UI 8.

Samsung’s official One UI 8 changelog, announced on May 28, 2025, highlights improvements such as easier file sharing via Quick Share, a new lock screen clock style that dynamically changes its size and position, a redesigned Samsung Internet browser, enhanced display support and customization in Samsung DeX, and improved calendar and reminder management.

One UI 8.0 is arriving earlier than any previous version of One UI, partly thanks to Google’s expedited release of Android 16 to manufacturers.

Samsung launched the One UI 8 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series in May 2025, then expanded it to the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in mid-August and the Galaxy S23, Fold 5, Flip 5, A55, A54, A36, and A35 in early September. The beta isn't expected for any other Galaxy smartphone or any tablet.

One UI 8 comes preloaded on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 and was released officially for the Galaxy S25 series on September 15, with older devices set to receive it later in the year. Flagships will receive the update first, with mid-range and budget models set to follow. A list of devices that have received the update can be found here.

With Samsung’s policy of providing at least three major OS upgrades for modern Galaxy devices, most budget and mid-range phones and tablets released in 2023 or later are eligible for One UI 8.0. All flagship smartphones launched in 2022 and later are included as well.