Samsung launches Android 16-based One UI 8 beta programme for Galaxy S25 phones

Google earlier this month offered a sneak peek at the Android 16 update at the I/O 2025 event. It has begun offering public beta for Pixel and select Android phones before it rolls out the final version in Q3.

Now, Samsung has announced the Android 16-based One UI 8 beta for its premium phones.

The new software will have a fully refreshing user interface and will be optimised to deliver user experience in different device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions.

"Intelligent multimodality enables you to have natural, seamless communication with AI that understands what you’re looking at or watching in the moment. The updated UX is optimized for the unique form factors across the Galaxy product portfolio, boosting your everyday productivity and efficiency," said Samsung.

The company also revealed that Galaxy AI features such as Now Bar and Now Brief will deliver even more personalised insights and suggestions to help the user stay on top of tasks and support the daily routine, through curated AI information.

Samsung One UI 8 features.

Another important aspect of the One UI 8 is that it offers complete control to users on how the data requests are processed for AI to respond. It should be noted that less complex queries work on Google Gemini Nano AI model and it works on-device.

For complex queries, Google Gemini Pro and Gemini Advanced AI models need cloud connectivity to perform tasks.

Here, One UI 8 will offer options in the settings where the user can choose to process data only on the device or provide permission for cloud-based AI processing.

One UI 8 will bring improvements to Quick Share for data sharing between Bluetooth devices. Called Auracast, a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio— will support effortless audio connection via QR code scanning and sharing, allowing multiple Auracast devices — like Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids.

Also, a single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel will let the user instantly send and receive files between phones. And, the Reminder app will get more value-added features.

Initially, the One UI 8 beta programme is available for Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra in Germany, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Samsung also confirmed that Android 16-based OneUI 8 will first come with the new line of Galaxy Z foldable phones out-of-the-box. Later, the new software will be released in S25 series and other older devices.

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