Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta is Now Live
Recently, Samsung announced the launch of its One UI 8 beta programme, marking the first generation of its integrated software platform to debut alongside the company’s highly anticipated new foldable devices. Moreover, the update promises a significant leap forward in user experience, driven by a ‘true multimodal AI agent’ that is designed to seamlessly integrate across various Samsung Galaxy form factors. This confirms the rumours of a One UI 8 Beta that popped up recently.
One UI 8: First to Embrace Android 16
According to Samsung’s official announcement, One UI 8 is the result of a strengthened partnership with Google, allowing it to be one of the first UI platforms to adopt the latest Android 16. The new software will initially be available on Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices launching this summer before gradually expanding to a wider range of Galaxy devices.
Beta Programme Now Open for Select Galaxy S25 Users
The beta programme, which kicked off yesterday, offers users an early glimpse into the innovative features of One UI 8. Initially, the beta is accessible to owners of the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in select markets including Germany, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Interested users can sign up through the Samsung Members app.
Personalised AI at the Forefront
One of the key highlights of One UI 8 is its focus on personalised AI, designed for seamless and natural interactions. Building upon the AI capabilities introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, the new platform further enhances the user experience by aiming to make everyday tasks smarter and more convenient through:
- Intelligent Multimodality: Enabling natural communication with AI that understands on-screen content.
- Optimised UX for Diverse Form Factors: Tailoring the user interface to enhance productivity and efficiency across the Galaxy ecosystem, particularly for foldable devices.
- Personalised, Proactive Suggestions: It begins by learning user context; consequently, it offers relevant assistance and supports daily routines through features like the ‘Now Bar’ and ‘Now Brief,’ which, in turn, deliver curated AI information.
Robust Security Underpins AI Innovation
Samsung emphasised the robust security underpinning these AI advancements. Samsung Knox Vault, combining a dedicated secure processor and memory, will isolate sensitive data. One UI 8 will also offer users control over data processing, allowing them to choose on-device processing for certain AI experiences.
Enhanced Convenience for Everyday Use
Beyond AI, One UI 8 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving everyday convenience:
- Auracast: Leveraging Bluetooth LE Audio, this broadcast audio technology will simplify connecting multiple audio devices like Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids via QR code scanning and sharing.
- Enhanced Customer Support: QR and NFC-enabled support accessible within the Samsung Account will streamline repair centre interactions, allowing for quicker registration and service requests.
- Revamped Reminder App: The app will offer more intuitive features for managing tasks, including easy sharing of to-do lists and voice input for adding reminders on the go, making it a more effective travel companion.
- Improved Quick Share: A single tap in the Quick settings panel will allow for instant sending and receiving of files.
