Google kicked off its I/O 2025 keynote, revealing Android and Gemini advancements. During “The Android Show,” Google revealed Android 16 is coming this Summer to Galaxy devices but Samsung missed One UI 8 Beta reveal opportunity at I/O 2025.

Samsung isn’t just another smartphone maker, but it’s the biggest player in the Android ecosystem. Millions of people use Galaxy devices every day, and the One UI software system is a huge part of what makes those phones special.

Changes in the Android 16 schedule help Samsung introduce the foldable phones with the new OS. This July, the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 may hit the market shelves, running the Android 16-based One UI 8 out of the box.

With such a tight connection between Android 16 and Samsung’s next big release, many of us tuned into Google’s I/O 2025 event expecting at least a hint about the Android 16-based One UI 8 Beta timeline. Instead, we got silence.

Source – Google

Samsung usually stays away from Google’s schedule and mechanism of Android development and distribution. The company neither takes part in Developer Preview (like rivals) nor joins the Public Beta for Galaxy smartphone users.

Rather, Samsung conducts its own One UI Beta Program for Android optimization. Meanwhile, things changed drastically this year, with Google taking the opportunity to confirm Android 16’s arrival for Galaxy devices this Summer.

Google I/O 2025 lacked One UI 8 Beta reveal

Google I/O 2025 gave us plenty to be excited about, from Android 16 to Gemini’s latest tricks. The company has also teased massive AI upgrades for the ecosystem. As summer approaches, I’m hoping Samsung steps up with more info soon.

To be fair, Samsung doesn’t have to follow Google for software distribution. Meanwhile, in a year when Android’s schedule is shifting and Galaxy foldables are leading the charge, a little collaboration at I/O 2025 would have gone a long way.

Google has completed the Android 16 development, and its release is set for June, which should bring a change for not only phones but also Samsung’s One UI rollout strategy.

The development cycle for a new Android version was traditionally set for early each year. After months of development and beta testing, the software achieved stability, followed by final release in the fourth quarter.

Last year, Google made a big change in its Android launch strategy by launching Android 15 and also releasing the first developer preview for Android 16 in the fourth quarter.

This new announcement has surprised the Android community, and seeing the start of new OS development this early couldn’t be anything else than a surprise. This event has two significances: Android 16 will launch earlier than Android 15, and we may see Android 17 development sooner than its predecessor.

Source – Google

Despite being an important part of the Android ecosystem, Samsung never complied with Google’s beta testing program norms. Still, it began the development at the same time as other Android phone makers to showcase at its annual developer conference. Eventually, the phone maker released stable One UI versions sometime after the final Android launch announcement.

This new One UI release schedule has been smooth so far, until One UI 7, when Samsung experienced a major lag in its development speed. However, One UI 8 leaks are indicating fast development, which means that we may see an early Android 16 rollout for Galaxy devices.

Thanks to Google, the Android 16 development has opened new doors of opportunity for the Korean tech company and corrected its mistakes with the existing One UI software.

To mention, Samsung has officially confirmed that One UI 8 will be launching in the Summer. Previous reports suggest that the closest launch for the new OS update would be early third quarter, followed by a wide adoption in the fourth quarter.

Samsung fans are talking about One UI 8, the anticipated Android 16-based update. However, no official One UI 8 roadmap exists yet, but misleading news articles are spreading fake details, so let’s clear things up with the facts.

Some websites claim Samsung released a One UI 8 roadmap, listing devices and dates – but it’s nothing but fake news. These claims are unverified and lack credible sources.

To be clear: Samsung hasn’t shared any One UI 8 rollout details as of May 20, 2025. Despite rumors, the company remains silent on specific devices or timelines. Posts on X suggest internal testing is underway, but nothing is confirmed.

Stick to trusted sources like Samsung’s official website or verified tech news outlets. Be cautious of articles promising detailed roadmaps without official or community backing.

We at SammyFans are committed to delivering the most authentic Samsung insights. You can also check Samsung’s official channels, like Newsroom, for accurate software update information.

When to expect One UI 8 “Roadmap”

Samsung won’t release the One UI 8 Roadmap until it finishes the Beta Program. The software is slated to debut with the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 sometime in July this year.

It is reported that the S25 series, Z Flip6, and Z Fold6 will join the Beta Program. The first wave was rumored to start in late May or early June, but we haven’t seen any concrete developments.

Samsung is continuously testing One UI 8 Beta internally, and some power users have access to the pre-release version, as the next upgrade is turning out to be a significant one over One UI 7.

Samsung has added a new feature to Now Brief in One UI 7 that helps you stay safe while walking. Now Brief gives you daily updates like weather, news, calendar events, missed calls, and more. Now, it also reminds you not to look at your phone while walking.

Many people use their phones while walking, which can be dangerous. You might bump into someone, trip, or not notice cars or bikes. To help with this, Samsung’s Now Brief shows a message asking you to stop using your phone while you walk. It also tells you how much time you spent doing this during the past week.

This is similar to Google’s Heads Up feature, launched in 2021, which sends a notification when it sees you’re walking and looking at your phone. Samsung’s version doesn’t send real-time alerts but shows the reminder in your daily summary. It’s a simple approach, but still useful.

Image via Android Authority

The feature was first introduced with the Galaxy S25 series. It’s a small but helpful step toward safer phone use. Samsung wants people to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid accidents.

Even though it’s just a simple message, it could help a lot. Looking up while walking is better for your safety, and it helps you enjoy your day more. This new reminder feature of the Now Brief in the One UI 7 is a small push to help you build better habits.

Samsung’s Now Brief may get Listen option in One UI 8

VIA

Samsung’s next big upgrade, the One UI 8, would integrate the Android 16 Live Updates feature with the Now Bar. A pre-release version of the One UI 8 revealed massive changes to the lock screen notifications engine.

One UI 7 debuted Now Bar, which is one of the boldest additions. The Now Bar pill would get significant upgrades in One UI 8, powered by Android 16’s Live Updates.

The latest internal One UI 8 build (ZYEJ) appears to have integrated Android 16’s Live Updates feature with Now Bar. It’s a significant development, opening up a broad new category of apps and services for real-time Now Bar notifications.

While Samsung deployed Now Bar with One UI 7, Google is crafting it as part of Android 16. The functionality of both features is almost similar. Android at core, the One UI 8 would offer even more striking Now Bar experiences in One UI 8.

The current One UI 8 build offers Android 16’s Live Updates feature as a Developer Options toggle. When testing an activity, the Live Updates join Now Bar to display updates on the lock screen along with the Status Bar and Notification Panel.

Similar to One UI 7, the Status bar pill is expandable into a Notification panel-sized card. It showcases even more information about the activity. The transitional animation has also been improved as compared to One UI 7.

Samsung nailed the Now Bar in One UI 7 without Android’s Live Updates. As the One UI 8 now has the backing of the operating system, the experience will improve significantly.

While Now Bar is limited to core features and Samsung apps, Android 16’s Live Updates has broad support. Galaxy users can look forward to massive Now Bar upgrades with the One UI 8 OS built on Android 16.

Expect support for apps and services related to ride-hailing, parcel tracking, food, and package deliveries. Live Scores from Google are already available, with more third-party platforms may be supported in the One UI 8 update.