Key points
- AI tools enhance productivity and multitasking
- Revamped Reminder app with clearer categories
- Improved privacy with on-device data control
- Seven years of updates for Galaxy devices
ISLAMABAD: Samsung has confirmed that the stable version of One UI 8 will begin rolling out “from September 2025”, starting with the Galaxy S25 series and expanding to other eligible devices.
The update, based on Android 16, follows a beta release that began on 9 July 2025, with initial testing starting on 28 May for the Galaxy S25 lineup. Beta access has since expanded to the Galaxy S24, Z Fold6, and A55, reports Gulf News.
🚨 Samsung One UI 8 (Android 16) Internal Testing 🚨
One UI 8, based on Android 16, is now under internal testing across a wide range of Galaxy devices. 🔧📱 [Current status] 🧵📌 Devices in Testing Phase:
• Galaxy S23, S22, S21 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold 5/4, Z Flip 5/4 pic.twitter.com/1VeENdY4xP— One UI Club (@ultimate_phyco) August 21, 2025
According to Samsung, One UI 8 represents more than just a typical software update. It blends AI-powered tools, a refined interface, and enhanced privacy, offering what the company calls a “reimagined Galaxy experience.”
New design and features
The most visible changes appear in the overhauled Samsung Reminder app. As Android Authority’s Joe Maring explains, “Previously, One UI 7 showed your custom reminder categories at the top, while categories like Today, Scheduled, Important, and Place were tucked away in a side menu. Now, all of those are front and center at the top of the Reminder app, allowing you to immediately see how many reminders are in each of those categories.”
One UI 8’s headline features revolve around Galaxy AI integration. The update introduces tools to boost productivity, such as instant content summaries and easier pop-up window resizing, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
Samsung’s Weather app on One UI 8 is absolutely beautiful. pic.twitter.com/7DVJyO55HU
— Alvin (@sondesix) August 22, 2025
On foldables like the Z Fold7 and Flip7, Drawing Assist simplifies on-screen input, and the improved cover screen interface makes navigation more intuitive. The new 90:10 split-screen mode, inspired by OnePlus’s Open Canvas, allows users to focus on one app while keeping another accessible in the background.
AI and privacy enhancements
Portrait Studio, a standout AI tool, transforms pet photos into studio-style portraits. However, any AI-generated image will carry a watermark. These AI features are powered by Google Cloud and require a Samsung Account and internet access.
The interface also gains subtle visual improvements, including soft blur effects and more consistent app icons. The updated Quick Panel includes one-tap access to a Secure Folder protected by Samsung Knox Vault.
Privacy is a major focus, with the Personal Data Engine giving users control over where their data is processed — either on-device or in the cloud.
Despite being called an “incremental upgrade” by some, Samsung’s long-term software support — promising seven years of OS and security updates — ensures One UI 8’s longevity. While it may not match Google’s Material 3 design overhaul, its AI-driven features and refinements aim to elevate the Galaxy user experience.
