TLDR: Samsung is broadening its One UI 8 beta program, based on Android 16, to include a wider range of older Galaxy smartphones and foldables, following its initial release for the Galaxy S25 series. The expansion brings enhanced AI capabilities and is set for a stable release starting September 2025.
Samsung is significantly expanding its One UI 8 beta program, built on the foundation of Android 16, to a broader array of its Galaxy devices. This move follows the initial beta launch in May 2025, which was exclusively for the flagship Galaxy S25 series. The expansion aims to bring the latest software innovations, including advanced artificial intelligence features, to a wider user base ahead of the stable public release.
Starting next week (from August 6, 2025), the One UI 8 beta will become available for premium 2024 Galaxy devices, specifically the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6. Users in select regions, including India, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, will be able to enroll in the public beta program via the Samsung Members app. This allows them to test new functionalities and provide feedback, contributing to the refinement of the final software.
Further expansion is slated for September 2025, when the beta program will include the Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A55 5G, and Galaxy A35 5G. Notably, the Galaxy A36 5G has already been observed running Android 16-based One UI 8 on Geekbench, signaling active real-device testing.
A core highlight of One UI 8 is its enhanced integration of artificial intelligence. The update is set to introduce a true multimodal AI agent and deliver personalized, proactive suggestions, building upon the AI features first unveiled with the Galaxy S25 series. Even mid-range devices like the Galaxy A36 are confirmed to support some AI features with this update.
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The stable version of One UI 8 is anticipated to begin rolling out in September 2025, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. A broader release to other eligible Galaxy devices is expected to follow in Q4 2025, spanning from October to December. This accelerated rollout, compared to previous One UI versions, underscores Samsung’s commitment to delivering timely software updates and leveraging its partnership with Google, which saw One UI 8 become one of the first UI platforms to adopt Android 16.
