A new post on X from Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) shares breaking news about One UI 8 based on Android 16. Samsung has started rolling out the stable version for non-beta users in Korea using the Galaxy S25 series, including the S25 Edge. Initially, it was limited to the new Z Fold and Flip 7 foldables.
The post shares the build version (S938NKSU5BYI3 / S938NOKR5BYI3 / S938NKSU5BYI3) with attached images of the update notification in Korean and a promotional image of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's only a matter of days before more users get it worldwide.
One UI 8 is ready for installation
One UI has been a long time coming now. The update has faced unnecessary hurdles for months, but at last, it's now making its way to S25 phones in Korea. The spotted update screen in settings hints at new Galaxy AI features bundled in a package size of approximately 3.9GB. It also includes the Sept 1, 2025 security patch, and Samsung warns that system apps may update too.
There's some marketing blurb that says One UI 8 is more creative than ever, which is pretty much expected since you wouldn't expect it to be less so. The screenshot doesn't say what exactly it brings, but leaks and teardowns from these past months have already revealed it. Here's a breakdown of what’s new on One UI 8:
- Galaxy Buds integration: Unified controls that work across both new and older Buds.
- Weather app: Redesigned with better visuals and more detailed breakdowns.
- Reminders and Calendar: Smarter linking so tasks sync more naturally.
- Secure Folder: Separate fingerprints for extra privacy.
- Multitasking: New 90:10 split-screen ratio for better app balance.
- Quick Share: Cleaner, simpler design, easier to use.
- AI tools: Faster performance and smoother responses.
- Call recording and file management: Easier access and improved handling.
- Camera settings: Less buried, quicker to reach.
- Overall performance: Smoother animations, less lag, better stability.
In an interesting turn of events, iOS 26 and One UI 8 have ended up sharing the spotlight. Apple is rolling out its latest software across supported iPhones today in India as well. Knowing Samsung and their history of trolling their biggest competition, it's likely that they planned the timing, even though not initially.
Related: Here’s How the Ultra-Thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Handles Bending
Beta program shuts down as devices prep for wider release
The Galaxy S25 series has officially begun its journey through the seven major upgrades that Samsung has promised for its 2025 flagship phones. That means it would be running the latest Android version up until 2032, well after most people would’ve switched phones.
The manufacturer is already closing down the One UI 8 beta program following the stable update release. They've confirmed that there will be no new beta builds and no more feedback collection.
If you're still running the beta, you need to update to the official release if you want to continue getting updates, since future patches and improvements will only arrive on the stable channel.
To do so, enter your device's Settings menu. Then go to Software update. You should see the update information with a download button.
Although Samsung didn’t officially share the full device roadmap, they confirmed some devices through announcements and patterns in the past. The Galaxy S26 series will launch with the software. Rumor has it that they have already begun internal testing of One UI 8.5 on the phones, starting with the Galaxy S26 Ultra (model SM-S948U).
The S24 series, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 would also receive it this month, alongside the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and midrange models like the Galaxy A55, A54, A36, and A35.
More test builds spotted on CheckFirm suggest that even more devices are in line, including the Galaxy S22 series, S21 FE, older foldables like the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, as well as newer A-series phones such as the A56, A26, A73, and A33.
The latest Galaxy Tab S11 series already launched with the software, so it's left for the Tab S10 and Tab S9 families, plus rugged devices like the Tab Active 5 Pro to join the train.
