Samsung Expands One UI 8 Beta Program to Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 with Android 16

If you own a Flip 6 or Fold 6, this is your chance to experience Samsung’s most advanced UI upgrade yet, complete with enhanced AI features, design refinements, and functional improvements. Let’s take a closer look at everything the One UI 8 Beta brings to Samsung’s 2024 foldables.

One UI 8 Beta Expansion

Back in May 2025, Samsung gave Galaxy S25 users early access to One UI 8, introducing Android 16 to its flagship lineup. After three months of exclusive testing, the program is now expanding to last year’s premium models, including the Galaxy S24 series and the foldables — Z Flip 6 and Fold 6.

This expansion marks a key milestone in Samsung’s software roadmap. The 2025 foldables (Z Fold 7 and Flip 7) already shipped with One UI 8 pre-installed, setting a new standard. By extending support to 2024 devices, Samsung is ensuring that loyal users don’t miss out on next-gen features.

Countries where Beta is live:

• South Korea

• India

• United States

• United Kingdom

These four major markets often serve as Samsung’s testing grounds before wider global rollouts. If you’re in one of these countries, you can already enroll in the Beta Program today.

Why One UI 8 is Important for Foldables

Samsung’s foldables thrive on software optimization. Unlike traditional smartphones, the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 need carefully designed features that enhance the foldable experience.

With One UI 8, Samsung is not only bringing cosmetic upgrades but also AI-driven tools that were first introduced in the Galaxy S25 series.

Key Features Coming with One UI 8:

1. Now Bar (AI Assistant Upgrade):
   A smarter, more context-aware navigation bar powered by AI. It brings proactive suggestions, quick actions, and seamless multitasking.

2. Improved Foldable Multitasking:

   • Enhanced taskbar for Fold 6.

   • AI-optimized app resizing for Flip 6.

   • More intuitive drag-and-drop gestures.

3. Performance Enhancements with Android 16:
   Faster app launches, smoother animations, and better background power management.

4. Battery & Thermal Optimizations:
   Samsung has focused on minimizing heat during prolonged multitasking, a common foldable concern.

5. Camera & Gallery AI:

   • Smart object removal.

   • AI photo suggestions.

   • Better low-light processing.

6. UI Refinements:

   • New lock screen customization.

   • Smarter Always-On Display.

   • Adaptive wallpapers that respond to time and weather.

This combination of productivity + personalization makes One UI 8 an exciting step forward for Galaxy foldables.

Beta Program – Things to Know

Since this is an early software build, users should expect bugs, performance hiccups, and higher-than-usual battery drain. Samsung’s Beta Program exists to collect real-world feedback before the stable rollout later in 2025.

Important Tips Before Joining:

• Backup your data using Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.

• Don’t install on your primary device if you need maximum stability.

• Expect apps to crash occasionally due to compatibility issues.

• Keep reporting bugs through the Samsung Members app.

How to Get One UI 8 Beta on Galaxy Z Flip 6 & Fold 6

Joining the Beta is simple and free for Samsung users. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Open the Samsung Members App

   • Ensure you’re logged in with your Samsung Account.

2. Find the One UI 8 Beta Banner

   • The banner usually appears on the app’s homepage in eligible countries.

3. Sign Up for the Program

   • Tap the banner, review the terms and conditions, and confirm your enrollment.

4. Wait for OTA Update Notification

   • Once enrolled, go to:
     Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

   • The One UI 8 Beta 1 update should appear for download.

5. Install and Restart

   • Your device will install the update and reboot into the new software.

And that’s it — you’ll be among the first to test Android 16 + One UI 8 on a Samsung foldable.

The Bigger Picture – Samsung’s Software Strategy

Samsung’s strategy with One UI 8 clearly reflects its goal to make AI and foldable experiences central to its ecosystem.

• 2025 Foldables (Z Fold 7 & Flip 7): Shipped with One UI 8 out-of-the-box.

• 2025 Flagship (Galaxy S25 Series): First devices to launch with Android 16 + One UI 8.

• 2024 Premium Phones (S24, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6): Now entering Beta.

This tiered rollout ensures that new buyers get the latest software instantly, while existing users don’t feel left behind. Samsung is also maintaining its four-year Android OS and five-year security update promise, which makes devices like the Flip 6 and Fold 6 long-term investments.

What’s Next? Stable Rollout Timeline

While Beta testing has begun, the stable One UI 8 update for Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 is expected to roll out by:

• Q4 2025 in South Korea and India.

• Late Q4 2025 or early 2026 for Europe, North America, and other regions.

By the end of the year, most Samsung premium users worldwide should have access to the Android 16 experience.

Should You Join the Beta?

If you are:
✅ An early adopter who loves testing new features.
✅ Comfortable with occasional bugs and issues.
✅ Keen on experiencing Samsung’s latest AI features before everyone else.

Then yes, the Beta is worth trying.

If you are:
❌ Relying on your Flip 6/Fold 6 as your primary device.
❌ Sensitive to performance drops and app crashes.
❌ Not interested in testing experimental features.

Then it’s better to wait for the stable release.

Conclusion

Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta Program for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 is a major step in expanding Android 16 to more premium devices. With the August 2025 security patch, AI-powered features like Now Bar, and foldable-specific optimizations, Samsung is proving why it leads the foldable market.

For users in India, South Korea, the US, and the UK, the Beta is already live — giving you the chance to experience tomorrow’s Samsung software today.

As always, backup your data, expect a few bugs, and make full use of the Samsung Members app to share feedback. Whether you jump in now or wait for the stable release later this year, one thing is clear: One UI 8 is setting the stage for the future of Samsung foldables.