The next version of Android is anticipated to arrive on Pixel phones in June, but users with devices from other manufacturers may have to wait a bit longer to experience the new operating system. Notably, Samsung is making impressive progress this cycle, offering early access to its new software for Galaxy S25 owners through an open beta program.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra, you can easily enroll in the One UI 8 beta program. Simply open the Samsung Members app, where you'll find the beta signup option prominently displayed on the main landing page. After signing up, you can expect to receive the over-the-air (OTA) update within minutes. The update is substantial, weighing in at approximately 3.4GB, but the installation process is swift, and your data will remain intact. However, it is always wise to back up your data when experimenting with beta software.
To participate, you must reside in the US, Germany, Korea, or the UK, with US users required to have either an unlocked phone or a T-Mobile variant. Unfortunately, the new Galaxy S25 Edge model is not included in this initial beta phase.
Samsung is promoting One UI 8 with a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements, although details about these improvements are somewhat ambiguous. The company claims that the update will introduce multimodal capabilities, a user experience tailored to various device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions. However, early testers have found that the AI functionalities may not feel markedly different from previous iterations.
The Galaxy S25 series launched with a feature called Now Brief, accompanied by a widget known as Now Bar. This interface is designed to aggregate your data, securely process it within the Samsung Knox enclave, and provide useful suggestions. While Samsung asserts that One UI 8 will enhance Now Brief for delivering more personalized insights, many users have reported that it still primarily displays weather updates, calendar events, and news articles that may not be relevant to them. Although there are hints of an upcoming audio version of Now Brief, it is not included in the beta.
In addition to AI updates, Samsung is also promising non-AI enhancements in One UI 8. The update features an improved version of Auracast, a Bluetooth Low Energy technology that simplifies device pairing. The new capability allows users to quickly pair devices by scanning QR codes, enabling multiple Bluetooth devices, such as earbuds and hearing aids, to stream audio from your smartphone seamlessly.
Another enhancement is the Quick Share feature, which is now easier to activate from the Quick Settings menu, making file sharing more efficient. Additionally, a new Reminder app has been integrated into the OS. Samsung claims that the app is user-friendly, even for those who are new to it, though it may not stand out as a highlight of the OS update.
While there may be more to discover in the final One UI 8 update, the widespread rollout of the beta suggests that the software is nearing completion. Given the initial disappointment with Galaxy AI at the S25's launch, it raises concerns about the limited features available in the Android 16 update thus far.
According to Samsung, this update represents the beginning of a new rhythm in its software evolution, aligning with Google's initiative to release two substantial Android updates each year. The first update is expected to introduce major changes, while the second will refine APIs and features. Samsung has also confirmed that One UI 8 will come pre-loaded on its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, expected to launch this summer.
