Samsung officially launched One UI 8 with Android 16 on July 9, 2025, at its Galaxy Unpacked event. This is way earlier than the usual timeline. Samsung typically releases major updates in the fall, but this time it’s giving us a summer surprise.

Thanks to a closer partnership with Google, we have an early release of One UI 8. With this collaboration, Samsung becomes the first company to launch a new device with Android 16 right out of the box. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 are shipping with One UI 8 pre-installed.

Before going into supported devices, let’s find out the key features:

• Better AI: Your phone gets smarter. The Now Bar and Now Brief features work even better now.
• Smoother Experience: Everything moves faster and looks cleaner. The Gallery app and file manager got refreshed, and sharing files is now easier.
• Audio Improvements: Android 16’s Live Updates feature is now part of Samsung’s Now Bar, showing real-time updates like food delivery progress right on your lock screen.
• Better Security: Your phone stays protected with advanced security features and anti-theft tools that work even after a factory reset.
• Improved Multitasking: If you have a Galaxy Z Fold or Flip, you will love the improved multitasking and easier controls.

Let’s now talk about supported Samsung devices for Android 16:

Galaxy S Series

• Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
• Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S21 FE

Important Note: The regular Galaxy S21 series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra) won’t get One UI 8 because these devices have reached the update limit. The S21 series came with Android 11 and has already received its four major updates.

Foldable Phones

• Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE (come with One UI 8 already installed)
• Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4

Galaxy A Series (Mid-Range Phones)

• Galaxy A73, A56, A55, A54, A53
• Galaxy A36, A35, A34, A33
• Galaxy A26, A25, A24, A23
• Galaxy A16, A15, A14, A06

Tablets

• Galaxy Tab S10, S10 Plus, S10 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra

Remember: This list isn’t official from Samsung yet, but it’s based on the software update policies. Some Galaxy F and M series phones might also get the update.

When will your phone get the update?

Already Available:

The Galaxy S25 series has been testing the beta version since May 28, 2025, and should get the stable One UI 8 version by late July or early August 2025.

• August 2025: Galaxy S24, S23, and older foldable phones
• Later in 2025: Mid-range A-series phones and tablets

Samsung’s software rollout happens in phases. The company starts with its newest flagship phones and gradually moves to older models.

One UI 8 with Android 16 is a solid update that makes your Samsung phone smarter, faster, and more secure. If you have a Samsung phone from the last 2-3 years, you will probably get this update before the end of 2025. The exact timing depends on your specific model and where you live, but Samsung is moving much faster this time compared to previous updates.

Stay Updated: Keep checking your phone’s software update section and the Samsung Members app for the latest news about when One UI 8 will arrive on your device!

Now Bar and Now Brief are the most useful features in One UI 7 that continue to remain in One UI 8 headlines. In One UI 8, Now Bar and Now Brief are the two most useful features for which Samsung users should be pretty excited.

1. Now Brief

Samsung introduced Now Brief in One UI 7, but the availability is limited to the Galaxy S25 series. Meanwhile, the One UI 8 update is all set to enable this AI-powered feature on even more Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24 series.

One UI 8 not just expands Now Brief to more devices. Recent developments suggest that the function is getting even more AI love. Based on data from Contacts, Now Brief will present AI-made Birthday greetings in a shareable format.

Credit – Samsung

2. Live Updates on Now Bar

Samsung’s Android 15 skin debuted Now Bar, which showcases live updates right on the lock screen. Google integrated a similar functionality in Android 16 version that’s called Live Updates and available on Pixel smartphones.

Android 16’s Live Updates are integrating with Samsung’s Now Bar in One UI 8. Google confirmed food-delivery alerts are coming to Now Bar as live alerts. The company is also working with third-party app developers to optimize real-time alerts.

That said, Now Bar is all set to unlock its full potential in One UI 8. Gradually, for sure, Samsung and Google will elevate live alerts. As new partners join, the Now Bar pill will present real-time alerts right on your Galaxy’s lock screen.

• A massive Now Bar upgrade adds Live Notifications you actually need

Another upgrade to the notification system that will be added in One UI 8 is force-grouping notifications. Android 16 intends to forcibly group notifications to reduce overload; you will be able to access the group with a tap

Now Brief and Now Bar are just two features that are enough to make One UI 8 a big upgrade. These enhancements are enough to make you eager for the next big upgrade, but there’s still plenty more to explore for your Galaxy.

Samsung has one of the best software update policies. I consider it better than Google’s Android OS. I have a solid reason to call it the best. In early 2024, the company extended its software update support for Samsung Galaxy devices by up to 7 years.

This comprehensive support includes monthly, quarterly, and biannual firmware security updates that add patches for Android OS-related security issues released by Google, as well as patches for Samsung-specific security vulnerabilities.

This year’s Android 16 arrives early. Samsung officially launched One UI 8 based on Android 16 at Galaxy Unpacked on July 9, 2025, a significant shift in the company’s update timeline. For the first time, Samsung is releasing a major One UI OS update in the summer, rather than in the fall, aligning closely with Google’s Android 16 release schedule.

At the launch event, Samsung didn’t reveal which devices are eligible for the One UI 8 upgrade. I am covering every Samsung Galaxy device eligible for regular software support as of July 2025. This isn’t just an exclusive list for the One UI 8 update, but a comprehensive guide to all devices receiving ongoing software support.

Current One UI 8 Status (July 2025)

Already Available:

• Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 – Launched with One UI 8 pre-installed on July 9, 2025
• Galaxy S25 series – Beta program launched May 28, 2025; stable release expected by end of July 2025

Beta Testing in Progress:

• Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra (available in Germany, Korea, UK, US, India, and Poland)
• Galaxy S24, S23, Tab S10, and other flagship devices (internal testing)

Expected Rollout Timeline:

• August 2025: Galaxy S24, S23 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6
• September-October 2025: Galaxy A series flagships (A55, A56)
• Q4 2025: Remaining eligible devices

Samsung’s Software Support Policy: Understanding the Tiers

7-Year Support (7 OS Updates + 7 Years Security)

Eligible Devices (2024 and Later):

• Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
• Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Flip7 FE
• Galaxy Tab S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 FE, S10 FE+
• Future Galaxy S, Z, and Tab S series flagships

6-Year Support (6 OS Updates + 6 Years Security)

Eligible Devices:

• Galaxy A16 5G (first A-series with 6-year support)
• Galaxy XCover7 Pro
• Future Galaxy A1x series and higher-tier A models

4-Year Support (4 OS Updates + 5 Years Security)

Previously Released Flagships:

• Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
• Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Z Fold5, Z Flip5
• Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra, S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE, S9 FE+

Current Security Update Schedule (July 2025)

Monthly Security Updates

Samsung provides the most frequent security patches to its premium devices:

Flagship Smartphones:

• Galaxy S21 FE 5G through Galaxy S25 Edge
• Galaxy Z Fold3 5G through Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, Fold7
• W-series foldables (W23 through W25 Flip)

Enterprise Models:

• Galaxy A53 5G, A54 5G, A55 5G, A56 5G
• Galaxy XCover6 Pro, XCover7, XCover7 Pro

Quarterly Security Updates

Mid-range and older flagship devices receive security patches every three months:

Previous Flagships:

• Galaxy S20 FE, S20 FE 5G
• Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy Note20 series (all variants)

Galaxy A Series:

• A13 through A36 5G (various models)
• Recent launches: A06 5G, A16 5G, A26 5G, A36 5G

Galaxy M & F Series:

• M13 through M56 5G
• F13 through F56 5G

Tablets:

• Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) through Tab S10 FE+
• Galaxy Tab A9, A9+

Enterprise Tablets:

• Galaxy Tab Active3 through Active5 Pro

Biannual Security Updates

Budget devices receive security patches twice yearly:

• Galaxy A22, A03 series, A03 core
• Galaxy M21 2021, M22, M32 series, M52 5G
• Galaxy F22, F42 5G
• Galaxy Tab A8
• W22 5G

Wearables: Quarterly Updates

Samsung Galaxy Watches receive regular security updates:

• Galaxy Watch4 series through Watch Ultra
• Galaxy Watch FE
• All variants include enhanced Wear OS security patches

Personal Computers

Galaxy Book4 series receives security updates as needed, including patches from Samsung, Intel, and AMI.

One UI 8: What’s not guaranteed

While Samsung has officially launched One UI 8, the company has not announced which existing devices will receive the Android 16 update. The current security update list does not guarantee One UI 8 eligibility.

Key Considerations:

• Devices must meet hardware requirements for Android 16
• Samsung’s internal testing determines final compatibility
• Regional availability may vary
• Carrier approval affects rollout timing

Likely Candidates Based on Support Policy:

• All devices with 7-year support (S24 series and newer)
• Most devices with 4-year support are still within their update window
• Select A-series devices (A55, A56, and newer models)

Recommendations:

1. Check Your Device’s Status: Verify your model against the support lists above
2. Join Beta Programs: Galaxy S25 users can participate in One UI 8 beta testing
3. Backup Before Updates: Always ensure data safety before major OS upgrades
4. Be Patient: Staggered rollouts prevent widespread issues and ensure stability
5. Monitor Samsung Members App: Official updates and beta invitations come through this channel

Samsung’s software support in 2025 represents the most comprehensive and timely update policy in the company’s history. While One UI 8 eligibility remains to be fully confirmed, the robust security update schedule ensures all recent Galaxy devices remain protected and functional for years to come. Join me at X @SamsungSWUpdate.

Disclaimer: This article reflects Samsung’s official software support policy as of July 2025. Device eligibility for One UI 8 may expand based on future Samsung announcements and testing results. For the latest updates, monitor Samsung’s official channels and the Samsung Members app.

Samsung just made One UI 8 official at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event, and while everyone was excited to see the new features, there’s one big question that remains unanswered: When will existing Galaxy phones get the update?

At the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung proudly unveiled One UI 8 with some pretty cool new features. The update brings better AI integration, improved battery life, a bigger display, enhanced privacy settings, and a cleaner interface design.

But here’s the thing – Samsung only talked about One UI 8 running on its brand-new foldable devices. They didn’t say a single word about when older Galaxy phones would get the update.

Where’s the One UI 8 timeline?

This is where things get frustrating for Galaxy users. Usually, when Samsung announces a major One UI update, they give us at least some idea of when existing phones will get it. They might say something like “Galaxy S series phones will get it first, followed by Galaxy A series,” or “rollout begins in August 2025.”

But this time? Complete silence. No timeline. No hint about which phones will get it first. Nothing. This is especially disappointing because millions of Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22, and even some Galaxy A series users were waiting to hear when they’d get their hands on One UI 8.

If you own a Galaxy phone that’s not a 7th Gen Foldable (almost everyone), you are probably wondering:

• Will my phone even get One UI 8?
• When will I get it?
• Should I wait for the update or just buy a new phone?

The lack of information makes it tough to plan. Some of us might hold off on buying new phones if we know our current one will get the update soon. Others might just go ahead and upgrade because they are tired of waiting.

Which phones might get One UI 8?

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed anything, based on its usual software update policy, these phones will likely get One UI 8:

Probably getting One UI 8 soon:

• Galaxy S25 series (currently under One UI 8 beta program)
• Galaxy S24 series
• Galaxy S23 series
• Galaxy S22 series
• Galaxy Z Fold6/5/4 and Z Flip6/5/4

Probably getting One UI 8 later:

• Galaxy A54 and A34
• Galaxy A53 and A33
• Some Galaxy Tab models

Maybe getting it:

• Older Galaxy A series phones
• Galaxy phones from 2022 and earlier

Remember, the above list is based on Samsung’s past behavior and software policy. The actual list could be different.

What’s Samsung cooking?

There could be a few reasons why Samsung stayed quiet about the rollout:

Maybe One UI 8 has some specific (AI) changes that need more testing on older phones. Samsung might want to make sure everything works perfectly before committing to dates. Samsung might be saving the rollout details for another event or announcement. It’s possible Samsung is still working out the technical details and doesn’t want to promise something they can’t deliver.

If you are a Galaxy user waiting for One UI 8, here’s what you can do:

1. Be patient: Samsung usually delivers major updates to eligible phones, even if they don’t tell us when right away.
2. Keep checking: Watch Samsung’s official channels, the Samsung Members app, and sammyfans.com for updates.
3. Don’t panic: The lack of a timeline doesn’t mean your phone won’t get the update. Samsung just isn’t talking about it yet.
4. Prepare your phone: Make sure you have enough storage space and back up your important stuff, just in case.

One UI 8

Samsung’s decision to skip the rollout timeline at Galaxy Unpacked is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. The company has a decent track record of updating its eligible phones, even if it is not always great at communication (I am sure you agree on this).

The real question is: How long will Galaxy users have to wait before Samsung finally tells us when we will get One UI 8? Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer. Until then, we are all just waiting and wondering.

Join the waiting list on my X handle @SamsungSWUpdate.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses its cover screen camera hole as a dynamic status ring. The new flip phone has a full-view outer display, replacing the folder icon-shaped panel, and Samsung tied the lens cutouts with a visually rich UX.

With the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung introduced a dynamic status ring feature. It has 9 slick effects that make the cover screen pretty unique. These effects currently work in camera, and I’m so excited to see them working with more apps.

Samsung explains that this specialized UX replaces pop-up messages with indicators in the camera app during its execution by using the Hole in Display area. These indicators show which lens is currently in use, what action is being performed, and so on.

The system currently has 9 effects exclusively on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. This provides optimization of cover screen space, intuitive communication of live feedback visually, and the effect of predicting status through a clear status display.

Samsung also defined Visual Interaction, which refers to the exchange of info through visual elements when a user interacts. All visual elements that convey information by clicking a button, scrolling an image, or through animation effects are included here.

Here are the effects available on Galaxy Z Flip 7:

Photo Mode

Auto zoom

Visual Interaction exposure at the moment zoom changes

Portrait ready

Visual Interaction exposure when portrait mode is ready

Night scene recognition (under 8 lux)

Exposure of the night scene is recognized

During night shooting (long exposure)

Visual Interaction exposure during shooting time based on illuminance

Video Mode

Auto framing

Visual Interaction exposure when the number of recognized people changes

Recording

Visual Interaction exposure at the start and end of the recording

• Recording start: blinks 3 times
• Recording end: blinks 1 time

Commons

App entry

Visual Interaction exposure when entering the camera app

Lens guide

Visual Interaction exposure when switching lenses

• When the lens switches by selecting 0.6/1/2/4/10
• When the lens switches while adjusting the zoom slide/pinch zoom

Mode switch

Visual Interaction exposure when switching Photo/Video/Portrait mode

Timer setting shooting

Visual Interaction exposure during timer operation time (2 sec/5 sec/10 sec)

Palm recognition shooting

Visual Interaction exposure during the timer operation time (2 sec) for palm recognition shooting

Here we go:

How to activate and compatible devices

Samsung confirmed the camera hole UX is exclusively available on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. As the previous Flip phones have a different cover screen, the feature can’t be provided through a software update, even a major OS upgrade.

On the Galaxy Z Flip 7, you can activate these UX effects by launching the Camera app > Settings > Cover camera effects.