Samsung has always been one step ahead in the smartphone software experience, and its One UI skin has become one of the most popular custom interfaces in the Android world. In 2025, Samsung is rolling out One UI 8, a major update built on Android 16. This version doesn’t just polish the interface — it brings AI-powered tools, a refreshed design, stronger security, and optimization for foldables.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. For Samsung users, the question is clear: What new features will One UI 8 bring? When is it releasing? Which devices will get the update? Let’s break it all down in detail.
What is Samsung One UI 8?
Samsung One UI 8 is the latest version of Samsung’s custom Android interface, designed to make devices smarter, smoother, and easier to use. It is based on Android 16 and integrates Galaxy AI deeply into the system. Unlike older versions, One UI 8 focuses heavily on AI-assisted productivity, improved multitasking, and personalized user experiences.
It builds upon the success of One UI 7 but takes a bold step forward with features like Gemini Live integration, AI-powered photo editing, Now Bar, and enhanced security systems.
Evolution of Samsung One UI
Samsung’s journey from the clunky TouchWiz interface to One UI has been remarkable. Each version refined the experience, balancing design with functionality:
- One UI 1–3: Focused on minimalism and accessibility.
- One UI 4–5: Introduced Material You themes and better customization.
- One UI 6–7: Integrated Galaxy AI and boosted security.
- One UI 8: Marks the AI-driven generation, built to work hand-in-hand with Android 16 and optimized for large foldable screens.
Samsung is no longer just competing with Android skins like MIUI or OxygenOS — it’s positioning One UI as a serious alternative to iOS in terms of smoothness and features.
Samsung One UI 8 Key Features
Galaxy AI and Gemini Live
Samsung’s partnership with Google brings Gemini Live into One UI 8. You can hold voice conversations with AI, use your camera for real-time object recognition, and even translate conversations instantly.
Now Bar and Now Brief
- The Now Bar gives you live updates — from music controls to sports scores — at a glance.
- The Now Brief card system shows weather, events, and reminders, and now adds a Listen Brief option, which reads your schedule aloud.
Refreshed Visual Design
One UI 8 has softer icons, cleaner animations, and time-based dynamic wallpapers that change with the day. The visual polish makes the UI more immersive.
Smarter Multitasking
On foldables like the Z Fold 7, One UI 8 allows multiple floating AI windows, better split-screen performance, and a new desktop mode for DeX powered by Android 16.
AI-Powered Photo Assist
Photo editing becomes effortless with AI-assisted retouching. Compare original vs. edited versions side-by-side and make adjustments in real time.
Privacy and Security
Samsung has strengthened privacy in One UI 8:
- Private Space for sensitive apps/files.
- Auracast audio sharing for secure wireless streaming.
- Improved Quick Share with dedicated send/receive tabs.
Samsung One UI 8 Supported Devices
| Device Category | Models Expected to Get One UI 8 | Rollout Phase |
| Flagship Phones | Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra | Phase 1 (Sept 2025) |
| 2024 Flagships | Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra | Phase 2 (Late 2025) |
| Foldables | Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Fold 7, Flip 7 | Phase 1–2 |
| Mid-Range Phones | Galaxy A55, A35, A15 (select) | Phase 3 (2026) |
| Tablets | Galaxy Tab S10, Tab S9 series (select) | Phase 3 |
Samsung One UI 8 Release Date
Samsung has confirmed that One UI 8 will begin rolling out in September 2025. The first devices to get it will be the Galaxy S25 series. The beta program started earlier in mid-2025 with the S25, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6.
The rollout will expand gradually:
- September 2025: Galaxy S25 lineup.
- Late 2025: Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 6/Flip 6.
- Early 2026: Mid-range A-series and Galaxy Tabs.
This staggered approach ensures bugs are ironed out before mass rollout.
Beta Testing and User Experience
Beta testers reported smoother multitasking and fewer bugs than One UI 7 beta. The Beta 5 update fixed app crashes, improved battery optimization, and added the latest Android 16 security patch.
Testers especially praised the AI features and redesigned quick settings, calling One UI 8 one of Samsung’s “most polished betas ever.”
Comparison: One UI 8 vs One UI 7
- Design: One UI 8 has softer animations and dynamic wallpapers.
- Performance: Faster app switching and optimized memory usage.
- AI Tools: Gemini Live and smarter Photo Assist give One UI 8 a huge edge.
- Security: One UI 8 builds Private Space on Android 16’s core privacy tools.
In short, One UI 8 is not just an upgrade — it’s a leap forward.
Why One UI 8 is Perfect for Foldables
Foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 shine with One UI 8. The multi-window system lets you open three apps plus a floating AI tool. Editing photos or working on documents while video-calling has never been smoother.
Samsung’s bet on foldables and AI makes One UI 8 the most future-ready interface yet.
Samsung One UI 8 and Android 16
One UI 8 is layered on Android 16, but Samsung customizes it with exclusive features:
- Desktop Mode for DeX.
- Listen, Brief AI Assistant.
- One-handed optimizations for large screens.
- Smarter battery management.
This blend of stock Android improvements and Samsung polish creates a premium user experience.
Global Rollout Regions
Samsung will prioritize Korea, the US, the UK, and India in the first wave. Carrier versions may take longer. By early 2026, most global flagship and mid-range models should have One UI 8.
User Expectations & Future of One UI
Users expect better AI integration, smoother gaming performance, and improved foldable multitasking. Samsung is clearly aiming to stay ahead of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Pixel UI.
Looking ahead, One UI 9 might push even deeper AI integrations and smarter device-to-device connections across Samsung’s ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Samsung One UI 8 is more than just an update — it’s a major evolution in smartphone software. With AI-powered features, smarter multitasking, dynamic design, and tighter security, Samsung proves why its interface stands at the top of the Android world.
If you own a flagship or a recent Galaxy device, One UI 8 is worth the wait. For foldable users, it’s the ultimate productivity upgrade.
FAQs on Samsung One UI 8
Q1. What is Samsung One UI 8?
Ans: Samsung One UI 8 is the newest version of Samsung’s interface, based on Android 16, with AI integration, design upgrades, and foldable optimization.
Q2. When will Samsung One UI 8 release?
Ans: The stable rollout begins in September 2025, starting with the Galaxy S25 lineup.
Q3. Which Samsung devices will get One UI 8?
Ans: Galaxy S25, S24, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Fold 7, Flip 7, select A-series, and Tab devices.
Q4. What new features does One UI 8 include?
Ans: Galaxy AI with Gemini Live, Now Bar/Brief, AI-powered photo editing, better DeX desktop mode, and stronger security.Q5. Will Samsung mid-range phones get One UI 8?
Ans: Yes, select A-series models will get the update in Phase 3 (2026 rollout).