What's new in Samsung One UI 8?

Samsung has officially launched One UI 8, introducing the next generation of mobile intelligence built on Android 16. With enhanced Galaxy AI, a refined user interface, and deep integration with foldable and flagship devices, One UI 8 sets a new standard for a smart, secure, and personalized smartphone experience.

 

Starting with the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, One UI 8 will also come pre-installed on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, making them Samsung's first foldable devices to come with Android 16 out of the box.

One UI 8 Design

 

With One UI 7 bringing significant changes to the user interface, Samsung has not repeated that change with One UI 8. This is confirmed by the beta version of One UI 8 running on a number of smartphones, including the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z flagships launched since 2023.

There are some minor UI changes in Samsung apps, like the rounded buttons in the pop-up menus in apps like Gallery and a new blur effect for the background, but overall, One UI 8 looks and feels almost identical to its predecessor. Refinement is the main theme of this version of One UI, and it's evident in use.

Experience smarter, more intuitive AI

One UI 8 introduces a major leap forward in AI-powered user interactions, marking the beginning of a truly multimodal mobile experience. Multimodal AI enables devices to understand on-screen content, user behavior, and natural inputs like text, voice, and images simultaneously—resulting in faster, more relevant assistance.

Core AI improvements:

1. Now Bar: Contextual tools and shortcuts that automatically adapt to what you're doing
2. Now Brief: A daily snapshot, intelligently summarizing important reminders, messages, and updates
3. Proactive recommendations based on device usage and habits
4. Smart interactions optimized for different screen sizes and form factors

With One UI 8, Samsung Galaxy devices now support AI that is faster, more accurate, and more natural, while still respecting users' preferences and data privacy.

Seamless software and hardware launch

 

For the first time, Samsung's latest foldable devices will launch with a completely new version of Android and One UI from day one. This change is thanks to close cooperation with Google , which has accelerated the Android 16 release schedule to the first half of this year.

This synchronized rollout means users can enjoy the latest features, performance improvements, and design enhancements without having to wait months for a major OS update. One UI 8 will gradually expand to other Galaxy models after the initial launch.

Enhanced privacy and security on your device with Samsung Knox Vault

One UI 8 is designed with user privacy in mind. Most AI processing can be done on-device, giving users more control over what data is stored or shared.

Samsung Knox Vault protects sensitive information by isolating data in a secure processor and memory space, separate from the rest of the system. With dedicated privacy settings and transparent controls, users can manage how their personal data is used while still enjoying a rich, customized experience.

Streamlined everyday features

One UI 8 brings new tools that improve usability, sharing, and access to services on Galaxy devices:

1. Auracast audio sharing enables easy connection to multiple devices — such as Galaxy Buds or compatible hearing aids — using Bluetooth LE Audio and QR code pairing
2. Fast and paperless service support through QR and NFC registration at authorized repair centers
3. The upgraded Reminder app lets users organize to-do lists, manage group tasks, and set voice reminders with an intuitive interface
4. Enhanced Quick Share enables seamless file transfer across Galaxy devices with increased speed and reliability

These updates reflect Samsung's commitment to delivering practical innovations that simplify and enrich the everyday mobile experience.

Devices compatible with One UI 8

 

With Samsung's policy of providing at least three major OS upgrades to modern Galaxy devices, most budget and mid-range phones and tablets released in 2023 or later are eligible to receive One UI 8. All flagship smartphones launched in 2022 or later are also included.

Galaxy S series Galaxy S25 Galaxy S25+ Galaxy S25 Ultra Galaxy S25 Edge Galaxy S24 Ultra Galaxy S24+ Galaxy S24 Galaxy S24 FE Galaxy S23 Ultra Galaxy S23+ Galaxy S23 Galaxy S23 FE Galaxy S22 Ultra Galaxy S22+ Galaxy S22 Galaxy S21 FE	Galaxy Z Series Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition Galaxy Z Fold 6 Galaxy Z Fold 5 Galaxy Z Flip 6 Galaxy Z Flip 5 Galaxy Z Fold 4 Galaxy Z Flip 4	Galaxy A series Galaxy A73 Galaxy A56 Galaxy A55 Galaxy A54 Galaxy A53 Galaxy A36 Galaxy A35 Galaxy A34 Galaxy A33 Galaxy A25 Galaxy A24 Galaxy A15 (LTE+5G) Galaxy A16 (LTE+5G) Galaxy A06 Galaxy A17
Galaxy Tab Series Galaxy Tab S10+ Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Galaxy Tab S10 FE Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Galaxy Tab S9 FE Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab S9+ (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab S9 (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab S8+ (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab S8 (Wi-Fi/5G) Galaxy Tab A9 Galaxy Tab A9+ Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)	Galaxy F Series Galaxy F56 Galaxy F55 Galaxy F54 Galaxy F34 Galaxy F16 Galaxy F15 Galaxy F06 Galaxy F36 Galaxy XCover Series Galaxy XCover 7 Galaxy XCover 7 Pro Galaxy XCover 6 Pro	Galaxy M series Galaxy M56 Galaxy M55s Galaxy M55 Galaxy M54 Galaxy M34 Galaxy M53 Galaxy M33 Galaxy M16 Galaxy M15 Galaxy M06

One UI 8 signals the future of smartphone software

The release of One UI 8 is more than just a software upgrade, it's the foundation for a new generation of Galaxy experiences that are smarter, faster, and more personalized.

With deep AI integration, seamless multitasking, enhanced security, and support for a wide range of devices, One UI 8 redefines what's possible on a smartphone. Retailers, tech enthusiasts, and everyday users can now discover what's new in productivity, AI , and mobile design – starting with Samsung's latest flagships and foldables.

Feature availability may vary by model, market, and software version. Some features may require a Samsung account, network connection, or compatible hardware. AI features are powered by a combination of on-device and cloud-based processing.