Samsung One UI 8 Launch: AI-Powered Features, Privacy Boost, and Galaxy S25 Rollout
Samsung’s One UI 8 is officially set for release in September 2025. The company confirmed in a blog post that the stable version will start with the Galaxy S25 series before expanding to other eligible devices. Beta testing began on May 28, 2025, and users of the Galaxy S24, Z Fold6, and A55 will start receiving the update this month.
The beta, introduced on July 9 with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7, has been described as a leap in mobile interfaces. Built on Android 16, it combines AI-powered features with a refined and user-focused design. According to Android Authority, Samsung has completely restructured the Reminder app’s homepage, giving users quick access to key categories like Today, Scheduled, and Important.
Features and design
Samsung describes One UI 8 not just as an update but as a reimagined Galaxy experience. Its standout feature is Galaxy AI, designed to boost productivity and creativity. For instance, users can resize pop-up windows with ease, generate instant summaries, and drag and drop across foldables using Drawing Assist.
Other AI tools also add flair. Portrait Studio transforms pet photos into professional-style portraits, though watermarks indicate AI generation for transparency. These tools rely on Google Cloud, but they require a Samsung Account and network connection for operation.
Visually, One UI 8 builds on its predecessor with blur effects, consistent icons, and smoother transitions. The foldable cover screen now includes a “Now” bar for quick access to music and notifications. Security remains central, with Knox Vault encryption and a one-tap Secure Folder available directly from the Quick Panel. Privacy is reinforced through the Personal Data Engine, which processes information either locally or in the cloud, depending on user preferences.
Multitasking and long-term support
Multitasking gets a notable boost with the new 90:10 split-screen view, inspired by OnePlus’s Open Canvas. This setup allows one app to dominate while keeping another accessible. The Reminder app now integrates better with the Calendar, making task management more fluid. Meanwhile, Quick Share has been redesigned for smoother file transfers.
Although some users feel the update is more incremental than transformative, Samsung’s promise of seven years of OS and security support ensures that One UI 8 will remain relevant well into the future. While it may not embrace the bold aesthetic of Google’s Material 3 Expressive, it aims to set a new standard by blending polish with AI-driven features.
