Samsung has started rolling out One UI 8 beta update based on Android 16 for its devices, less than 2 months after the release of the One UI 7 stable update. This brings three key elements – multimodal capabilities, UX tailored to different device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions, said the company.
Furthermore, One UI 8 is engineered to recognize user context, offering tailored and proactive suggestions. Features designated as ‘Now Bar’ and ‘Now Brief’ will deliver customized insights and suggestions via curated AI information, supporting task management and daily routines.
One UI 8 will also offer users control over data processing, with options to keep data on-device, as many Galaxy AI features will utilize a hybrid of on-device and cloud-based AI processing. The company highlights transparency and user choice as core principles in delivering this personalized AI without compromising privacy.
Beyond AI, One UI 8 will introduce several features aimed at enhancing everyday convenience. Auracast, a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio, will enable audio connections via QR code scanning and sharing. This will allow multiple Auracast-compatible devices, such as Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids, to join a shared audio stream without complex manual setup.
Customer support at repair centers is also slated for improvement through QR- and NFC-enabled support accessible within Samsung Account. This system will allow users to register for service using QR codes or NFC, potentially reducing wait times and simplifying service requests by eliminating the need for manual forms.
The Reminder app will see an update, with a redesigned UX intended to be intuitive, especially for tasks like travel planning. Users will be able to manage reminders centrally, share to-do lists, and add reminders using voice commands.
File sharing is also set to become more streamlined with an enhanced Quick Share feature. A single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel will allow for sending and receiving files.
Availability
The Samsung One UI 8 beta program has started for the Galaxy S25 series devices in Korea, the US, the UK, and Germany, from today, May 28th. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series users can apply to join the beta program via Samsung Members app.
The update will gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices as well and also expand to other countries, said the company.
The One UI 8 stable update will roll out later this year. Before that One UI 8 will debut on Samsung’s newest foldables this summer, said the company, so we can expect the Galaxy Z Flip7, and the Z Fold7 to run One UI 8 out of the box.