What you need to know
- The One UI 8 beta is now available for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, offering a first look at the next generation of Samsung’s software.
- Key features of One UI 8 include enhanced AI capabilities with multimodal support, tailored UX for different device types, and proactive suggestions.
- One UI 8 is among the first platforms to adapt to Google’s Android 16 and will introduce improvements to various aspects of the UX, including the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility features.
Samsung has officially dispelled any lingering speculation by launching the first beta of One UI 8 for its flagship Galaxy S25 series. This eagerly anticipated update is now accessible for users of the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra models, which originally debuted with One UI 7 earlier this year. The rollout is currently limited to select regions, including Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., with the notable exception of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
The tech giant has also hinted at a stable version of One UI 8, expected to debut alongside its upcoming foldable devices this summer. This rapid progression is particularly noteworthy, given the delays experienced with the One UI 7 rollout across various Galaxy devices this year. The unveiling of Android 16 earlier this month has set the stage for this new iteration, which promises to usher in significant enhancements in user experience and artificial intelligence.
One UI 8 aims to establish a “new rhythm for Samsung’s software evolution,” focusing on major updates in UX and AI. As with its predecessor, the emphasis remains on bolstering AI functionalities within the Galaxy S25 series. The update introduces three pivotal elements: multimodal capabilities, a user experience tailored to diverse device formats, and personalized, proactive suggestions.
Improvements to the popular Now Bar and Now Brief features from One UI 7 are also on the horizon, allowing for more customized insights and suggestions that help users manage their daily tasks seamlessly with AI assistance. Furthermore, One UI 8 introduces settings that empower users to process data locally on their devices, with an option for cloud-based AI processing.
Samsung’s Auracast feature is also receiving enhancements, including the ability to connect audio effortlessly via QR code scanning and enabling multiple Auracast devices to synchronize with accessories like Galaxy Buds 3 and hearing aids, a capability recently showcased in London.
The Reminder app on the Galaxy S25 series is set for a significant upgrade, consolidating all reminders into a single interface that allows users to share to-do lists with a simple tap. Quick Share is also rumored to receive enhancements with this software update, further enriching the user experience.
The extensive changelog for the latest beta reveals additional features, such as improved file search capabilities, even when users are uncertain of the file name. Samsung Internet is undergoing a redesign for quicker access to features, while multitasking functionalities are expected to see notable enhancements, including improved display support and split-screen capabilities.
Moreover, One UI 8 introduces new features to the Calendar, along with preset routines and routine actions. Through Samsung Health, users can now challenge friends to running competitions and set reminders for food intake, adding a social dimension to health management. Other enhancements are anticipated across Communication, Camera, Accessibility, and Security and Privacy settings.
As the rollout has just commenced, there may be more features yet to be uncovered within the One UI 8 beta. It remains to be seen whether the recently rumored revamp of the Weather app and the audio version of the Now Brief summary have made their way into this initial beta release.
