For Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra owners eagerly awaiting the stable Android 16-based software, the wait is technically over, but the news comes with a frustrating twist. The official Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update has finally begun its public rollout, but in a surprising move first reported by Android Authority, the first phone to receive it is a brand-new device: the just-launched Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.
This strategic move by Samsung means that its new “Fan Edition” smartphone will ship with the latest software right out of the box, giving it a key marketing advantage. While it’s great news for prospective S25 FE buyers, it leaves owners of the company’s flagship models waiting a little longer. The Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update is close, but this rollout strategy is a clear departure from last year.
This article breaks down Samsung’s surprising decision, explains when the rest of the S25 lineup will get the update, and what this strategy tells us about the positioning of the Fan Edition series.
The “Fan Edition” Gets First Priority
The core of the news is that the Galaxy S25 FE is launching with One UI 8 pre-installed. This confirms that the stable version of the software is ready and finalized. The decision to debut it on the FE model is a deliberate marketing choice to make the new mid-range flagship more appealing. Samsung probably just wanted the Galaxy S25 FE to be able to flex its shiny new software at launch, packed with all the new features of One UI 8.
This confirms that the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update is stable and ready for the public. The only remaining factor is Samsung’s staggered release schedule.
When Will the Rest of the S25 Series Get the Update?
The good news is that the wait for other flagship owners won’t be long. Samsung has already promised a September rollout for the stable Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update, and the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are at the top of the list. Based on past rollouts, users can likely expect to see the update notification hit their devices within the next couple of weeks.
Before the full One UI 8 OS upgrade, Samsung is also expected to release a large monthly security patch. These regular patches are separate from Google’s own monthly rollouts, like the recent August 2025 Google System updates, and focus specifically on Samsung’s devices. This update could be over 1GB in size, so prepare your phones for it accordingly.
What About Other Galaxy Devices?
Once the rollout for the S25 series is complete, Samsung will quickly expand the update to its other premium devices. The next in line for the stable Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update will almost certainly be:
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- The previous generation’s Galaxy S24 series
This rapid expansion is typical for Samsung, which has become one of the best Android manufacturers for providing timely and long-term software support. While this year’s flagships get it first, the technology being tested will eventually shape future devices like the rumored disappointing Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which phone is the first to get the stable One UI 8 update?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the first device to get the stable One UI 8 update, as it comes with the software pre-installed at launch.
2. What is the Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update release date for the S25 Ultra?
While an exact date hasn’t been given, the stable Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update for the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra is confirmed to begin rolling out in September 2025.
3. Is One UI 8 based on Android 16?
Yes, One UI 8 is Samsung’s custom user interface built on top of the core Android 16 operating system.
4. Why did the S25 FE get the update first?
This appears to be a marketing strategy by Samsung to make the new Galaxy S25 FE more appealing at launch by equipping it with the very latest software before its more expensive siblings. This is a key part of the Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update strategy.