Launched last month alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, One UI 8 delivers an entirely new mobile experience that emerges from the synergy of foldable design and advanced AI technology. This important release marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a device has shipped with Android 16 straight out of the box, an achievement made possible through a strong collaboration with Google. With One UI 8, Galaxy users can now enjoy faster access to the latest generation of Android, coupled with a refined user experience.
To gain insight into how One UI 8 was developed, Samsung Newsroom spoke with three key figures from Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience (MX) Business: Mihyun Jeong and Joonhwan Kim, who led the development process, and Nawoong Han, who coordinated the collaboration with Google. Their collective effort has resulted in a transformative user interface that merges cutting-edge technology with user-centric design.
One UI 8 elevates the user experience by leveraging the unique features of the Galaxy's foldable form factor. Jeong, who oversaw the planning of One UI, emphasized the rapid advancements in AI technology and the rising expectations from users. “To meet these expectations, our customer experience (CX), user experience (UX), and development teams formed a task force aimed at refining the core concepts of One UI 8,” she explained. The result is a focus on ‘multimodal AI, a form factor–optimized UX, and a proactive personalized experience.
With One UI 8, the Galaxy Z Flip7 allows users to access AI features swiftly, even without unfolding the device. A simple press of the side key launches Gemini Live, and its FlexWindow-optimized UX facilitates natural, conversational interactions with AI, resembling a friendly chat. Jeong stated, “For instance, you can view the camera feed and interact with AI in real time or add events to your calendar seamlessly. Everyday tasks become quick and effortless.”
The expanded FlexWindow on the Galaxy Z Flip7 also provides easy access to real-time sports scores, news updates, app notifications, and more through the Now Bar. Additionally, the Now Brief feature delivers richer, personalized insights, all available at a glance.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 showcases the full potential of One UI 8 with its expansive main display. “On the big screen, you can display Galaxy AI-generated results in Split View or Floating View, allowing for efficient multitasking,” Kim explained. This functionality is powered by multimodal AI that comprehends complex contexts. The Screen Sharing feature on Gemini Live enables users to share their screen with AI in real time, even while using multiple apps, providing instant responses to queries.
Moreover, Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist utilizes the large screen effectively, allowing users to compare original and edited images side by side for precise editing.
The refined AI experience of One UI 8 is underpinned by a robust partnership with Google. Han, who managed the collaboration with the Android team, noted, “Both companies worked together from the outset, defining core concepts during the initial planning stages and continuously collaborating throughout the development process.” The unprecedented nature of their teamwork involved real-time collaboration using a shared development branch to exchange code and resolve issues on the go.
This close-knit collaboration allowed the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 to be the first devices to feature Android 16 right out of the box. Additionally, the partnership brought a more multimodal experience through Gemini Live, enabling users to ask AI questions about what they see while sharing their camera or screen.
One UI 8 emphasizes thoughtful design alongside powerful AI features. Kim noted enhancements in animations and visual effects across everyday apps, creating a more immersive experience. “For instance, the clock can recognize the subject in a chosen wallpaper and align itself naturally, adding liveliness to One UI 8’s design,” he shared.
Beyond aesthetics, One UI 8 introduces practical features such as a streamlined Quick Share for effortless content sharing, Audio Eraser to reduce background noise in videos, and new pet profiles in Photo Assist. In an age where security is paramount, One UI 8 leverages advanced security solutions like Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) and Knox Vault to safeguard user data and personalized AI features from unauthorized access.
One UI 8 heralds a new era of mobile experiences, merging foldable technology and AI. “These are entirely new foldable experiences unlike anything before. Through One UI, we aim to connect users with AI for more effective automation and personalization,” expressed Jeong. Kim added, “From bar-type phones to foldables and tablets, our optimized AI experiences will enhance users’ daily lives.
Looking ahead, Samsung’s collaboration with Google is set to expand, with Han noting, “As technology evolves, collaboration becomes increasingly vital. We aim to deepen our partnership with Google across all aspects of Galaxy, particularly in AI, so stay tuned.” One UI 8 will start rolling out to other devices from September, beginning with the Galaxy S25 series. By maximizing the synergy between AI and Samsung’s foldable designs, this new user interface promises to unlock exciting new possibilities for everyday life.
