Everything You Need to Know About the Samsung One UI 8.0 Beta Program

Naveen Thakur

23 May, 2025

In the world of mobile operating systems, continuous improvement and innovation are key. Samsung, one of the largest smartphone manufacturers globally, understands this better than most. To maintain its dominance and provide the best user experience, Samsung has developed its own Android skin—One UI. But what really helps refine this software before mass rollout is the One UI Beta Program.

This beta program enables Samsung Galaxy users to test the latest features ahead of a stable release and submit feedback, helping engineers squash bugs, optimize performance, and polish the overall interface. It’s an essential part of every major software release cycle, giving power users and developers early access and shaping the final product.

Let’s explore the evolution of the One UI Beta Program from its inception to the upcoming One UI 8.0 based on Android 16.

What is the One UI Beta Program?

The One UI Beta Program allows registered Samsung Galaxy users to try out unreleased versions of the One UI interface before it rolls out globally. This testing period helps Samsung gather critical feedback from a wide user base. Users can report bugs, suggest UI improvements, and help ensure the final version is stable, fast, and intuitive.

Typically, the beta version is rolled out to flagship Galaxy S series devices first, followed by foldables and eventually select A-series or M-series models. Beta testing includes new features, UI/UX changes, animations, battery optimizations, and occasionally experimental functionalities that may or may not make it into the final build.

Samsung’s Shift to One UI: A Quick Background

Before One UI, Samsung had experimented with TouchWiz and Samsung Experience, both of which were heavily criticized for being bloated and clunky. But in 2018, everything changed when Samsung introduced One UI. Built on Android Pie, it was a clean, focused, and user-centric interface that redefined Samsung's software identity.

Since then, Samsung has released seven major iterations of One UI, each with its own set of beta testing phases. Let’s take a look at the timeline of One UI beta releases leading up to the much-anticipated One UI 8.0.

One UI Beta Program Timeline: From 1.0 to 7.0

🟢 One UI 1.0 (Android 9 Pie)

Announced: Samsung Developer Conference 2018
Beta Launched: November 2018
Initial Devices: Galaxy S9 and S9+
Stable Release: Early 2019

The first-ever One UI beta was launched for the Galaxy S9 series. This update focused on ease of use with one hand, introducing a refreshed visual hierarchy and Night Mode (now Dark Mode), which became a fan favorite.

🟢 One UI 2.0 (Android 10)

Beta Released: October 2019
Devices: Galaxy S10 series
Stable Rollout: December 2019

One UI 2.0 brought improved Digital Wellbeing, a smarter dark mode, and better one-handed usability. The beta program expanded to more countries and provided a smoother feedback system.

🟢 One UI 3.0 (Android 11)

Beta Released: October 2020
Initial Devices: Galaxy S20 series
Stable Release: December 2020

One UI 3.0 brought a visual overhaul, refined animations, and lock screen widgets. The beta testers helped Samsung fine-tune memory management and battery optimizations before its stable release.

🟢 One UI 4.0 (Android 12)

Beta Announcement: September 2021
Devices: Galaxy S21 series
Stable Rollout: December 2021

This version introduced Material You theming, privacy dashboards, and camera app redesigns. The beta testers were crucial in testing privacy indicators and color palette customizations.

🟢 One UI 5.0 (Android 13)

Beta Released: August 2022
Initial Devices: Galaxy S22 series
Stable Release: October 2022

One UI 5.0 delivered smoother animations, stackable widgets, and deeper Android 13 integration. Feedback from the beta community led to several performance improvements and feature refinements.

🟢 One UI 6.0 (Android 14)

Beta Release: August 2023
Devices: Galaxy S23 series
Stable Update: Late October to Early November 2023

This iteration brought a redesigned Quick Panel, new font styles, and media playback UI changes. Beta testers also pointed out critical bugs in gesture navigation and notification alignment, which Samsung fixed before public release.

🟢 One UI 7.0 (Android 15)

Beta Released: December 2024
Initial Devices: Galaxy S24 series
Stable Version: April 2025

The One UI 7.0 beta lasted longer than usual. Though it started in December 2024, the stable version only launched in April 2025. This time, Samsung focused on AI-driven performance enhancements, battery longevity, and cross-device continuity. The longer beta phase allowed for intensive testing and fewer bugs in the final release.

🔵 What’s Next: One UI 8.0 (Android 16)

Samsung has not officially rolled out the One UI 8.0 beta yet, but it is expected to arrive by Summer 2025, likely starting with the Galaxy S25 or continuing with S24 series devices. Based on historical timelines, here’s what we can expect:

📅 Expected Timeline

Beta Launch: Summer 2025 (June–August window)
Eligible Devices (Expected): Galaxy S24/S25 series, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
Stable Version: Q4 2025 (October–December)

🆕 Anticipated Features

While not confirmed, One UI 8.0 based on Android 16 may include:

Advanced on-device AI features
Better multi-device integration
Battery health management similar to iPhones
Enhanced SmartThings automation
More refined Material You enhancements

Stay tuned to our One UI 8 section for continuous updates and feature leaks as the beta testing begins.

Why Beta Testing Matters

Participating in a beta program has multiple benefits, including:

Early Access: Get the latest features before everyone else.
Contribute to Development: Help Samsung improve the final release.
Community Involvement: Join discussions, share tips, and learn from fellow testers.
Bug Identification: Help detect crashes, app incompatibilities, and UI glitches.

However, beta versions may contain bugs or incomplete features, so it's not recommended to install them on your primary device unless you're comfortable with potential issues.

How to Join the One UI Beta Program

Samsung typically opens beta registrations via the Samsung Members app. Here’s how to sign up:

Open Samsung Members app.
Go to Notices section.
Tap on One UI Beta Program Banner.
Register with your Samsung Account.
Head to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

Once installed, your feedback can be submitted through the Samsung Members app > Beta Feedback section.

Final Thoughts

The One UI Beta Program has played a crucial role in shaping Samsung’s software ecosystem. From the first beta of One UI 1.0 to the upcoming One UI 8.0, Samsung has consistently evolved by incorporating real-world user feedback. This community-driven approach ensures that the final update is not just polished but also tailored to meet the practical needs of Galaxy users worldwide.

With One UI 8.0 on the horizon, expect even greater refinements and powerful integrations, particularly with AI and connected ecosystems. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, the beta program offers a unique opportunity to help influence the future of Samsung’s software.

Stay updated with all things One UI, and be the first to know when One UI 8.0 beta goes live!

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