The Samsung One UI 8 beta expansion is officially underway, marking a pivotal moment in the mobile AI race. More than just a routine software update, this move signals Samsung’s strategic push to transform its devices from simple tools into intelligent partners. Based on Android 16, the One UI 8 beta introduces a deeply integrated, multimodal AI experience, a clear effort to counter competitors by strengthening its partnership with Google, as reported by 9to5Google.
This rollout reflects Samsung’s adaptation to Google’s accelerated Android development cycle. The quick arrival of One UI 8 after the recent One UI 7 release caught many users by surprise. This faster timeline is a strategic necessity, allowing Samsung to align its beta program more closely with Google’s schedule. By doing so, Samsung aims to shorten the gap between a new Android version’s public launch and its availability on Galaxy devices, a key factor in staying competitive with Google’s Pixel lineup.
The Second Wave: Which Devices and Regions Get One UI 8 Beta First?
After an initial beta for the Galaxy S25 series in May, Samsung is now extending the program to its 2024 flagship devices. The second wave of the One UI 8 beta is now available for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. This expansion is a phased global rollout, starting with key markets to ensure stability before a wider release.
The beta program went live the week of August 11, with users in South Korea and the United Kingdom being the first to receive the update. Samsung has confirmed that the program will extend to the United States and India shortly after. This regional strategy allows Samsung to gather feedback from diverse user bases and address any carrier-specific issues. For instance, the initial beta in the US is typically limited to unlocked models to avoid complexities with carrier-locked variants.
Looking ahead, Samsung has announced a third expansion phase for September. This next wave will bring the One UI 8 beta to a wider range of popular devices, including the Galaxy S23 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, and several mid-range A-series models like the A36 5G, A55 5G, A35 5G, and A54.
For users in eligible regions with a compatible device, joining the beta is managed through the “Samsung One UI Beta”.
The process requires users to:
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- Download and open the Samsung Members app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in with their Samsung Account.
- Find and tap the “One UI 8 Beta Program” banner on the app’s home page or in the notices section.
- Complete the registration process.
Once enrolled, the beta software can be downloaded by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
| Device Model | Beta Wave | Availability Status | Regions | Target Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Series | First | Available | US, UK, Korea, India, Germany, Poland | May 2025 |
| Galaxy S24 Series | Second | Available | UK, Korea (US, India coming soon) | August 2025 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 / Z Flip 6 | Second | Available | UK, Korea (US, India coming soon) | August 2025 |
| Galaxy S23 Series | Third | Upcoming | To be confirmed | September 2025 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Z Flip 5 | Third | Upcoming | To be confirmed | September 2025 |
| Galaxy A-Series | Third | Upcoming | To be confirmed | September 2025 |
Inside One UI 8: Lets get into Samsung’s Multimodal AI Vision
The core of the One UI 8 experience is multimodal artificial intelligence, which allows the system to understand and process different types of user input like voice, text, and on-screen context at the same time. This enables more natural and intuitive interactions, moving beyond simple commands to a more conversational partnership with your device. A key example is the deeper integration of Google’s Gemini with the Galaxy ecosystem. With One UI 8, users can summon the AI assistant by long-pressing an earbud on the Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro, making context-aware requests without touching their phone’s screen.
The update also enhances existing Samsung features. The “Now Bar,” which provides proactive suggestions, is now integrated with Android 16’s “Live Updates” feature. This allows it to deliver real-time, dynamic information for ongoing activities, like tracking a food delivery or a rideshare, directly on the lock screen, similar to Apple’s Live Activities.
Beyond AI, One UI 8 brings several quality-of-life improvements. The Quick Share feature has a redesigned interface to make file transfers more straightforward. For audio lovers, One UI 8 adds support for Auracast, a Bluetooth LE Audio technology that lets multiple devices connect to a single audio broadcast using a QR code, simplifying shared listening experiences. Other updates include a revamped Reminder app and new preset routines in the Modes and Routines feature.
| Feature | One UI 7 (Android 15) | One UI 8 (Android 16) |
|---|---|---|
| AI Assistant | Foundational Galaxy AI features | Deeper multimodal integration with Gemini |
| Desktop Experience (DeX) | Samsung-developed standalone feature | Built on Android 16’s native Desktop Mode |
| Secure Folder | Samsung-developed security feature | Based on Android 16’s native Private Space |
| Real-Time Notifications | Standard notifications | “Now Bar” with Android 16’s Live Updates |
| Audio Sharing | Standard Bluetooth pairing | Auracast support via QR code |
Built on a New Foundation: How Android 16 is Reshaping One UI
One UI 8 marks a significant evolution in Samsung’s software strategy, showing a deeper alignment with Google’s native Android platform. This shift is most apparent in the architecture of some of Samsung’s most iconic features. For years, Samsung DeX has been a unique, Samsung-built desktop experience. With One UI 8, DeX is now based on android developer preview. Similarly, Secure Folder, a long-standing privacy feature, now uses Android 16’s native “Private Space” framework.
This move to build on Google’s foundational code instead of creating parallel systems is a major strategic decision. By adopting Android’s native solutions, Samsung’s engineers can focus on high-level customizations and AI-powered experiences rather than duplicating foundational work. This should lead to greater stability, improved app compatibility in desktop mode, and faster delivery of major software updates.
The trade-off is a potential loss of uniqueness, as other Android manufacturers can now implement the same native capabilities. This suggests Samsung is betting its future on its AI innovations and hardware ecosystem integration, rather than on bespoke software. Other features in One UI 8 also come directly from Android 16, including Live Updates, enhanced security tools like “Advanced Protection Mode,” and new connectivity options like Auracast.
From the Front Lines: The Real-World Beta Experience
For Samsung’s power users, the initial One UI 8 beta has been a mixed bag. The most common issue, as seen in past One UI updates, is the temporary loss of functionality for several modules in the Good Lock customization suite. Users on community forums have widely reported that essential modules like Home Up, QuickStar, and NotiStar are not compatible with the first beta build. This recurring problem suggests that Good Lock updates are not developed in parallel with the OS beta, leading to a predictable cycle of user frustration.
On the performance side, early feedback is cautiously optimistic. Some beta testers have noted better battery life and less overheating, though they admit this could be temporary. At the same time, bugs have been reported, including issues with keyboard autocorrect, malfunctioning Do Not Disturb settings, and visual glitches on the Always On Display. A critical concern for anyone installing beta software is the reliability of essential apps. In a positive sign, early reports indicate that Google Wallet and other tap-to-pay services are still working, a significant relief for testers.
Practical Impact: What Samsung One UI 8 Beta Means for You
For the average Galaxy user, the stable release of Samsung One UI 8 beta promises a smarter, more proactive device. The AI-driven features are designed to simplify daily tasks, while the UI enhancements aim to provide a more polished experience. The underlying shift to native Android frameworks should also lead to better long-term stability and faster access to future OS updates. These kinds of software improvements are among the key tech trends of 2025.
For tech professionals, the update brings important changes. The move to a native Android API for DeX could improve app compatibility and create a more standard development environment for desktop-mode applications. The integration of Android’s Private Space into Secure Folder adds another layer of vetted security, a welcome development for corporate use.
Samsung has confirmed that the official, stable version of One UI 8 will begin rolling out in September 2025. The release will start with the Galaxy S25 series before expanding to the Galaxy S24 lineup, the new Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, and other eligible devices in the following weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I join the Samsung One UI 8 beta program?
Enrollment is handled through the Samsung Members app on an eligible device in a supported country. After opening the app and logging in, look for the beta program banner on the home page and complete the registration. The update will then appear in your phone’s software update settings.
Q2: Is the Samsung One UI 8 beta stable enough for my primary phone?
Beta software has inherent risks, including bugs, app crashes, and potential data loss. While some users report good stability, critical features may not work as expected. It is always recommended to back up your data before installing and, if possible, use a secondary device for testing.
Q3: Will my banking and payment apps (like Google Wallet) work on the beta?
Early user reports from community forums suggest that Google Wallet and other tap-to-pay services are functioning on the initial One UI 8 beta. However, beta software can sometimes fail security checks, so functionality for all banking apps is not guaranteed.
Q4: What is the status of Good Lock compatibility with the Samsung One UI 8 beta?
Several key Good Lock modules, including Home Up, QuickStar, and NotiStar, are not compatible with the first One UI 8 beta. This is a common issue with new beta releases, and updates for these modules are typically released later in the testing cycle.
Q5: When will the final, stable version of Samsung One UI 8 be released?
Samsung has officially stated that the stable rollout of One UI 8 will start in September 2025, beginning with the Galaxy S25 series before expanding to the S24 series, new foldables, and other eligible devices in the following weeks.