Samsung to Launch One UI 8 Beta Program in May 2025 for Galaxy Devices – Here’s What to Expect
Samsung Starts Internal Testing for One UI 8 – Public Beta Launch Expected in May 2025
Samsung is once again setting the pace for Android updates with its upcoming One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16. According to a new report, the South Korean tech giant has already started preparing the beta version of One UI 8 internally for its flagship Galaxy S25 series, and the public beta rollout is expected to begin in the third week of May 2025.
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| Samsung One UI 8 Beta Release for Galaxy S25 in May 2025 |
This early preparation marks a significant shift in Samsung's software development cycle, hinting at a quicker and more refined release strategy for One UI 8.
One UI 8 Beta Program: What We Know So Far
As per early insights, Samsung is preparing a limited rollout for the initial phase of the One UI 8 Beta Program. Unlike previous years, the beta will not be widely available at first. Instead, a handful of flagship devices—likely starting with the Galaxy S25 series—will be eligible for beta testing in select countries, possibly including South Korea, the United States, Germany, and India.
A wider beta release is anticipated in June 2025, when more Galaxy devices and regions will be added to the program.
Eligible Devices for the One UI 8 Beta Program
While Samsung hasn’t confirmed the exact list of eligible devices, based on historical rollout patterns and internal testing information, the following models are likely to be part of the initial beta release:
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Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra
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Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
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Galaxy S24 Series
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Galaxy Tab S10 Series
Older flagship models such as the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy A55 may be added in later beta phases, closer to the public release timeline.
Why One UI 8 Is a Big Deal for Samsung Users
Samsung’s One UI custom skin is already known for being clean, user-friendly, and loaded with productivity features. With One UI 8, based on Android 16, the company aims to push boundaries even further with new features, optimizations, and refined aesthetics.
Here are some of the rumored upgrades and features expected in One UI 8:
🔹 Visual Overhaul and Smoother Animations
One UI 8 is expected to introduce smoother transitions and animations, offering a more fluid and polished user interface. This may include dynamic widgets, better gesture navigation, and smoother app-to-app transitions.
🔹 Redesigned App Interface
Leaked UI mockups and early builds suggest Samsung is working on a new app layout, improving app discovery, menu navigation, and in-app interaction with modernized icons and colors that align with Android 16’s Material You 3.0 design philosophy.
🔹 Enhanced RAM Plus Controls
A much-requested feature is getting a facelift. One UI 8 will likely bring advanced controls for RAM Plus, Samsung’s virtual memory feature. Users may be able to allocate different levels of virtual RAM and possibly toggle the feature on or off—something not previously available.
🔹 More Granular Privacy Settings
Android 16 is bringing deeper privacy management tools, and Samsung is expected to integrate them tightly within One UI 8. Expect features like app permission history, location data control, and clipboard access logs to become standard across devices.
🔹 AI and Performance Improvements
Samsung could also leverage AI-powered performance enhancements, allowing the system to intelligently optimize battery life, background app usage, and processing power for frequently used apps. This is aligned with Google’s push for AI integration in Android 16.
Samsung's Beta Strategy: Faster and More Focused
The internal preparation phase for One UI 8 signals that Samsung is trying to reduce the gap between beta testing and stable rollout. Unlike prior years where delays and staged releases were common, the current strategy indicates that the company is looking to:
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Release more stable beta builds
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Expand quicker to mid-range and foldable devices
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Deploy final stable builds before the end of Q3 2025
This will also give Samsung more time to focus on regional-specific features and app compatibility across its wide ecosystem of devices.
One UI 8 Rollout Timeline (Expected)
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2025 (3rd Week) | One UI 8 Beta Program begins for Galaxy S25 series |
| June 2025 | Expanded beta rollout for other devices |
| August 2025 | Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 launch with One UI 8 out of the box |
| September–October 2025 | Stable One UI 8 release begins for Galaxy S25 and other flagships |
Countries Likely to Get Early Access
Samsung generally begins beta rollouts in key markets where it has a strong R&D and software feedback loop. Based on previous One UI Beta programs, these countries are expected to be first in line:
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South Korea
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United States
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Germany
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India
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United Kingdom
Samsung Members app will be the official platform for users to register for the beta program, download the update, and report bugs or suggestions.
How to Join the One UI 8 Beta Program
Once officially announced, users will be able to sign up for the beta via the Samsung Members app:
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Open Samsung Members on your eligible Galaxy device.
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Go to the “Notices” section.
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Look for the banner labeled “One UI Beta Program”.
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Tap on “Join Beta” and accept the terms.
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Go to Settings > Software Update and tap Download and install.
Note: Beta versions are not as stable as final releases, so it’s recommended to avoid installing them on primary devices.
Caution: Samsung Hasn’t Officially Confirmed Yet
Despite the detailed leaks and internal activity, Samsung has not officially confirmed the release date of the One UI 8 Beta Program. While the third week of May 2025 is highly likely, we advise users to treat this information with caution until Samsung makes a formal announcement through its press release or the Samsung Members app.
Conclusion: A New Era of One UI Begins
With Android 16 right around the corner, Samsung is getting a head start on its One UI 8 development and testing. The upcoming beta program in May 2025 will give enthusiasts and developers early access to explore the latest features, design changes, and performance enhancements.
While the beta rollout might be limited at first, the rapid development and feedback loop could mean a faster and more stable final release later this year. Stay tuned to Ask Anything for timely updates, tutorials, and guides on One UI 8 and other Samsung innovations.
✅ Quick Recap
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One UI 8 Beta Program is expected to start in the third week of May 2025.
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Galaxy S25 series will be the first to receive the beta.
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Features expected: New RAM Plus controls, UI redesign, smoother animations, better privacy settings.
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Wider rollout in June 2025; stable release likely by September 2025.
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No official confirmation yet, but all signs point to an imminent beta launch.
