Get ready, Samsung Galaxy users. The next big update for your phone might be closer than you think. According to a report, Samsung will be kicking off the One UI 8 beta program (based on Android 16) sooner than anticipated.
Back in March, reports indicated that Samsung had started internal testing of One UI 8. This put Samsung a couple of months ahead of the schedule they’d followed with One UI 7. The company has been criticized for a slow rollout of One UI 7/Android 15, so this was a welcomed development. A new report now claims the public launch of the One UI 8 beta will drop this month.
While it was only a few months ago that more Galaxy devices finally got updated to One UI 7, it looks like Samsung is pushing to get the next iteration into people’s hands quickly. According to SamMobile, a limited beta will be starting in the third week of May for select devices and regions, with a wider rollout potentially happening in June.
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Samsung’s One UI 7 Rollout is Back on Track, For Now
The One UI 7 update saga has been a long and turbulent one. After a few past releases where Samsung has managed to release new major One UI updates promptly, it really bungled things this year, to the point that most Samsung phones are still on Android 14 well into April. Apparently, though, it’s finally moving ahead.
So, which devices are likely to be the first in line? Unsurprisingly, all signs point to the latest flagships, the Galaxy S25 series, leading the charge. Samsung typically starts its beta programs with its newest premium phones, and the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are the top candidates. Following shortly after, you can probably expect to see the beta arrive on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, as well as the previous year’s Galaxy S24 lineup.
Based on early leaks, it seems this update has some interesting changes, particularly when it comes to multitasking and how you interact with Galaxy Buds. One of the biggest updates appears to be in the DeX experience. The taskbar is now centered, much like Windows, and app icons follow suit. You’ll find persistent shortcuts in the taskbar, and the app drawer is getting a smaller, pop-up makeover.
Beyond the desktop, controlling your Galaxy Buds also appears to be getting an upgrade in One UI 8. Even older models should receive enhanced quick panel controls, similar to what the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro offer. A long press on the volume slider in the quick panel will give you access to controls for volume, ambient sound, and noise cancellation.
Getting into the beta program usually requires signing up through the Samsung Members app on an eligible device once the program officially opens in your region. Keep an eye on the app if you want to be an early adopter and help Samsung iron out any kinks before the public release.
While the beta might start soon, the stable version of One UI 8 will probably debut alongside Samsung’s next generation of foldable phones or the Galaxy S25 Edge in June or July. The wider rollout to other eligible devices would then follow, potentially starting in August or September. After the somewhat drawn-out One UI 7 rollout, it’s promising to see Samsung seemingly accelerating the timeline for One UI 8.
Source: SamMobile
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