Samsung is wasting no time getting its next major software update into users’ hands. The One UI 8 beta, based on Android 16, is now officially rolling out for the Galaxy S25 series just weeks after the stable release of One UI 7.
Right now, Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra owners in Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the US can sign up for the beta program. It’s an early, test version—so expect a few bugs—but users who crave the latest features can get in ahead of the crowd. There’s no official word on the beta build number or download size yet, but it’s clear this is a phased rollout, so the update may not show up for everyone at once.
Samsung is aiming for a full stable release of One UI 8 as early as July. The company has signaled that more regions—like India, China, and Poland—might get access to the beta soon. If the trend continues, we may even see a broader global beta than in previous years, which is something many Galaxy fans have been hoping for.
Also read: These Samsung devices are eligible for One UI 8 upgrade
So, what’s new in One UI 8? Early testers are reporting a refreshed look with updated icons and a sleeker interface throughout Samsung’s own apps. The Now Bar makes multitasking feel more fluid, and Samsung continues to roll out more intuitive notification controls and improvements for privacy and security. The addition of instant call transcripts and easily accessible vertical app drawers further builds on Samsung’s vision for a cleaner, more efficient Galaxy experience. There’s also talk of better integration with Galaxy AI and smarter device management, but we’ll have to dive deeper as more feedback comes in.
If you own a Galaxy S25 series device in one of the launch countries, keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for a One UI 8 beta banner to appear. When it does, just tap the banner for instructions on signing up. To install the beta update once you’re enrolled, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install. And as always, be sure to back up your data before making the jump to beta software.
