Samsung One UI 8: Release Date, Devices & New Features

We’ve just been informed of the official release date of One UI 7 for older Galaxy models, and Samsung enthusiasts are already looking ahead to the next update. Recent rumors suggest that Samsung is already working on One UI 8.

This upcoming update is expected to bring smoother animations, improved customization options, and a host of exciting new features. If you’re curious about when you’ll receive it, which Android version it’s based on, and what enhancements to anticipate, we’ve got you covered.

When will my Samsung Galaxy phone get One UI 8?

While reports from SmartPrix and leaker Tarun Vats indicate that One UI 8 is in progress, the official rollout schedule has not been announced yet. A Samsung Community moderator in the US clarified that One UI 8 has not been officially announced and is currently undergoing internal testing. There is no beta version available, and no beta will be released until One UI 7 is fully deployed.

Currently, the beta team is focused on One UI 7, and a public beta for One UI 8 is still several months away.

Android 16, the likely base for One UI 8, is expected to launch in the second quarter of the year, with a rumored release date of 3 June 2025.

Historically, Samsung has typically taken two to three months after the official Android release to begin rolling out its One UI updates. Therefore, it’s probable that One UI 8 will first arrive on the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, and S25 Edge, possibly in August or September 2025. However, Samsung may also wait until the launch of the Galaxy S26 series before updating older flagship devices.

Which version of Android is One UI 8 based on?

As mentioned earlier, One UI 8 will be built on Android 16. Despite the impending release of One UI 7 (based on Android 15), leaks from Samsung’s internal apps confirm that work on One UI 8 is already underway.

Luke Baker

Google is anticipated to release Android 16 earlier than usual, potentially expediting Samsung’s update process. However, it has taken some time for One UI 7 to reach all devices in the lineup. If a similar delay occurs with One UI 8, even though Android 16 is released before Android 15, Samsung may take its time perfecting the update.

Which new features will One UI 8 have?

The Android 16 update is expected to introduce exciting enhancements, such as the ability to set your phone’s region independently from its system language, enabling more personalized date, time, and measurement formats.

Given that One UI 8 will likely be based on Android 16, these features are likely to be seamlessly integrated into Samsung’s ecosystem.

Decal shader for enhanced animations

One significant feature revealed so far is the inclusion of the Decal Shader feature, as reported by SmartPrix. This feature, reminiscent of Samsung’s old TouchWiz era, is expected to deliver smoother animations and improved visual effects, particularly on the home and lock screens.

A leak suggests that this shader could introduce a ripple effect animation for the lock screen.

Regional preferences customization

One UI 8 is anticipated to incorporate many of Android 16’s new capabilities, including the ability to customize regional preferences independently of your phone’s language settings (via Android Authority).

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Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

This is great news for users who want their apps to display localized units without having to change the system language.

One UI Launcher improvements

SmartPrix also suggests that we may see enhancements to the One UI Launcher, including more adaptive wallpapers that seamlessly blend with icons and third-party apps. This could enhance the visual appeal and cohesion of home screens.

Performance enhancements and security updates

Samsung’s update is likely to include the usual performance improvements, security patches, and new widgets. Users can anticipate a faster and more reliable experience across their devices.

AI-powered features

Similar to previous major updates, Samsung is expected to introduce AI-powered features to enhance photo editing, search capabilities, and user suggestions, making devices smarter and more intuitive.

Overall, One UI 8 appears to be another significant advancement for software on Samsung Galaxy phones. We will provide updates to this article as more information becomes available.