Samsung has officially released the One UI 8 beta update, bringing a major firmware upgrade to the Galaxy S25 lineup, including the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Based on Android 16, this beta version is now available to users in select regions such as South Korea, the US, the UK, and Germany. The update is part of Samsung’s developer preview initiative, allowing early adopters to experience new features before the public rollout.
Users interested in testing the new interface can register through the Samsung Members app, but availability may vary depending on region and carrier.
Samsung confirmed that One UI 8 will also come pre-installed on its next-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices, expected to debut later this summer. This signals the company’s intent to unify its user experience across both bar-shaped and foldable smartphones, providing consistent software performance and design regardless of form factor.
Samsung’s One UI 8 beta focuses heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance overall user experience. The update introduces innovations in three key areas:
Multimodal Interactions
AI is used to interpret on-screen content in real-time, allowing for smarter and more responsive interactions.
Device Form Factor Optimization
The interface is tailored for both standard smartphones and foldable displays, ensuring seamless usability across devices.
Personalized Suggestions
Features like the Now Bar and Now Brief provide context-aware task suggestions and daily summaries to improve productivity.
Samsung maintains its strong focus on privacy and data protection by integrating Samsung Knox Vault into the new AI-based features. This ensures that the intelligent personalization tools do not compromise user privacy.
Additionally, camera controls are easier to access in the S25 series—users can now swipe up or down within the preview pane to adjust settings quickly.
One UI 8 introduces enhancements to Samsung DeX, the company’s desktop-like interface for productivity. New features include:
Support for WQHD resolution
270-degree screen rotation
Pinned apps at screen edges for smoother multitasking
Improved split-screen view for managing two apps simultaneously
These upgrades make DeX more adaptable for work-related tasks and entertainment alike.
Samsung has also expanded its accessibility options with the One UI 8 beta. Notable updates include:
Bluetooth hearing aid support within Accessibility settings
Customizable on-screen keyboard with larger keys
Enhanced zoom controls accessible via on-screen buttons
These changes ensure better usability for individuals with hearing or visual impairments, promoting a more inclusive user experience.
The Reminder app receives a major update with the One UI 8 beta. It now includes:
Preset templates for common tasks
Auto-complete suggestions to speed up note-taking
One-tap file and to-do list sharing
Voice command integration for hands-free task management
These tools streamline daily planning and foster better time management across all Galaxy devices.
Samsung Health also gets new social and wellness features with this update. Users can:
Challenge friends to running competitions
Set reminders for food logging and hydration tracking
Sync performance stats with compatible Galaxy wearables
These enhancements reflect Samsung’s commitment to holistic health tracking and community engagement.
The One UI 8 beta brings a fresh layer of AI-enhanced personalization, multitasking tools, and accessibility features to the Galaxy S25 series. By rolling out these updates early, Samsung is inviting users and developers to experience its Android 16-based interface before its official public release. With improvements spanning security, productivity, health, and usability, One UI 8 marks a significant step forward in Samsung’s software evolution.