Samsung has recently started releasing the Android 15 update for the Galaxy A15 and A16. Now, Samsung is expanding the One UI 7 update to the Galaxy A25 in South Korea, bringing new features to even more fans.

Galaxy A25 is getting a new firmware update, which weighs nearly 3.5GB; it installs the Android 15-based One UI 7 as well as May 2025 security patches. Fans in South Korea can identify the firmware via PDA build version A256NKSU5CYE2.

Samsung would soon expand this major update to the Global market. A broad release is expected by the end of May 2025, but the device is scheduled for June. It’s good to see Samsung is running ahead of its own update schedule.

One UI 7 comes with a massive visual overhaul, refreshing every aspect of the user interface. From Quick Settings and Notification Panel to app icons and UI components, everything is revamped to offer an all-new user interface.

Samsung may have also included the Circle to Search feature, similar to the A16. It’s one of the most beloved features among Galaxy fans. However, the availability may differ by model and region, as not all features are available on every device.

Now Bar is a notable addition, making your lock screen dynamic. Now, you don’t need to rely on an unlocked state to stay updated with real-time updates. An interactive pill will let you monitor and control certain real-time updates on the lock screen.

One UI 7 on Galaxy S25

To update your Galaxy device, navigate to Settings, followed by Software update, and Download and install.

One UI beta program enables users to test the latest software features and provide feedback to improve the new additions before final release. This test practice is part of the major software upgrade and is necessary to provide a bug-free update.

Samsung has been using Android since the beginning of its smartphone ecosystem. However, switching from legacy software to One UI has made its ambitions clear for a better mobile user experience.

So far, Samsung has released seven iterations of One UI, and here you can check the beta release details before we move on to One UI 8.0.

One UI 1.0 (Android 9 Pie)

This One UI version was announced at the Samsung Developer Conference 2018, and the beta program was launched in November for the Galaxy S9 series.

One UI 2.0 (Android 10)

Samsung released One UI 2.0 beta for the Galaxy S10 series in October 2019, and the stable version was released in December of the same year.

One UI 3.0 (Android 11)

The beta version of this software was released in October 2020 for the Galaxy S20 series, and the stable update was also released in December.

One UI 4.0 (Android 12)

One UI 4.0 beta program was announced for the Galaxy S21 series in September 2021. In December, the company rolled out a stable OTA build for the involved devices.

One UI 5.0 (Android 13)

One UI 5.0 beta was announced in August 2022 for the Galaxy S22 series, and the stable update made its way to the public in October of that year.

One UI 6.0 (Android 14)

The phone maker released One UI 6.0 beta in August 2023 for Galaxy S23 series smartphones and the stable version was rolled out in late October, followed by an expansion in early November.

One UI 7.0 (Android 15)

One UI 7.0 beta debuted in early December for the Galaxy S24 series, and a stable version was released in early April 2025. In comparison to the above timelines, this version has taken more time for beta and stable release.

One UI 8.0 (Android 16)

Samsung has not officially announced a release date for One UI 8.0 beta, but it’ll launch somewhere in the Summer of 2025. Furthermore, the stable version should be pushed by Q4 of this year, unlike One UI 7.

Check our One UI 8 section for more news.

Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta may launch soon in limited countries. If you are anticipating an expansive One UI 8 Beta Program, chances are high that you might be disappointed as Samsung doesn’t seem to have plans for country expansion.

Earlier, Samsung published One UI 8 Beta forums in select country communities. The majority of the markets are the same, where Samsung always drops One UI Beta. Forums are currently not live in two markets, which should also be joined.

With Samsung has no plans, One UI 8 Beta may be available in seven countries. Five of them are almost confirmed, while two more would soon get their respective forums published in preparation of opening the participation activity.

One UI 8 Beta forum is live in these markets:

1. Germany
2. India
3. Poland
4. UK
5. US

One UI 8 Beta will also launch in:

1. China
2. South Korea

Beta Program for 7 countries – as usual

Samsung’s One UI 8 is built on Android 16 operating system. It’s not going to bring your device an overhaul but minor tweaks would make major difference. Also it’s coming earlier than previous version in line with early Android debut.

Samsung typically launches the One UI Beta in seven countries. At the time of One UI 6 Beta, the company was testing Beta builds for select markets from Southeast Asia and the Middle East regions; however, Beta was not expanded.

One UI 7 Beta came pretty late, but the extra wait didn’t pay off in the form of a Global Beta debut. Samsung sticked to its policy and brought the Beta Program to seven markets where it seems majority of power user reside.

Also read: Why Samsung should make One UI 8 Beta available globally:

Why Samsung should make One UI 8 Beta available globally

Samsung fans are excited about the next big software update for Galaxy devices. The One UI 8 Beta is making news online, even though Samsung hasn’t officially said anything yet. If you are curious about what’s coming, when it might come, and which devices could get it, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down in easy steps.

What is the One UI 8 Beta program?

One UI 8 is expected to be Samsung’s next software update, based on Android 16. The beta version is a test phase where users can try the new features early, report bugs, and help Samsung make the software better before the stable release. From what we have heard, One UI 8 won’t bring huge changes but will focus on making things smoother and adding small improvements.

When will the One UI 8 Beta release?

Based on the latest news and leaks, the One UI 8 Beta might start as early as the end of May 2025. Samsung usually kicks off beta programs a few months before the stable version, and with Android 16 expected to drop by June, this timeline makes sense. The stable version of One UI 8 could launch in July or August 2025, likely with the new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. Google also confirmed that Samsung Galaxy device owners will get Android 16 this summer.

Which devices will get the One UI 8 Beta?

Samsung hasn’t shared an official list, but we can guess based on its software update policy and past patterns. The beta usually starts with the latest flagship phones and foldables, then moves to other devices. Here’s who might be first in line:

• Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra): These are the newest flagships, and will get the beta first. The beta forum page is now live for the S25 series users.
• Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6: Samsung’s foldables are often included early in beta programs.
• Galaxy S24 series: Since these devices are already on One UI 7, should be eligible too.

Later on, older devices like the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and some tablets like the Tab S10 and S9 might join the beta. Mid-range phones like the Galaxy A55 and A35 could also get it, but probably not right away. Keep in mind that the beta might only be available in certain countries at first, like the US, UK, India, Germany, and South Korea. You will likely need to sign up through the Samsung Members app to join.

How to prepare for the Beta

If you want to try the One UI 8 Beta, here’s what you can do:

• Make sure your device is eligible (check the list above).
• Keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for beta sign-ups in June.
• Back up your phone before joining—beta software can have bugs!
• Be ready for a few glitches, since it’s a test version.

Source – Chanakya Shrutam/Sammyfans

We will have to wait for Samsung to confirm everything. For now, leaks point to a late May 2025 beta start, with the stable version possibly arriving in July or August. If you’re eager to try it, stay tuned to Samsung’s official channels for updates. The Galaxy S25 series and foldables will likely lead the way, so if you’ve got one of those, you might be among the first to test One UI 8.

Disclaimer: Samsung has not officially confirmed the name of the next One UI version or the beta program. This article is based on leaks and rumors, so details like the release date, features, and eligible devices may change. Always check Samsung’s official announcements for the most accurate information.

Do you have any questions in mind? Tap here and connect with me on my X handle at @SamsungSWUpdate, I will try to answer asap.

Information updated on May 22, 2025.

Google has finally shared the first preview of the upcoming Material 3 Expressive redesign with Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, and battery icon optimizations are enough to convince me that Samsung should include these new advancements for One UI 8.

Material 3 Expressive is Google’s biggest design upgrade for Android in years. It focuses on an all-around user experience, including smooth animations, a cleaner user interface, retouched quick settings, and better personalization options.

Android 16’s new status bar is a prime example of Google’s intention to provide a rebranded user experience, and its peak impact is now visible on the battery icon.

The Android maker has switched its orientation from vertical to horizontal, and a similar change has already been made by Samsung in One UI 7. However, Google’s adaptation of the horizontal battery indicator is identical to iOS.

Both Samsung and Google have adapted dynamic animations for the battery indicator, which means you will see them changing based on battery features and status.

Samsung One UI 7 Battery Icon (Credit – Sammyfans)

For example, power saving mode widens the battery icon and includes a battery saver logo on the left side. Once disabled, it reverts to the normal size. If you don’t have battery percent enabled, the battery saver icon appears in the middle. These interactive elements are also added to the charging mode, which triggers as soon as the user connects the charger.

Material 3 Expressive has these effects, but not like One UI 7. Instead, Google has focused on system optimizations to make these animations and dynamic changes smoother and crisper than Samsung’s.

So, when you enable the power saver in Android 16, the software and related transition acts quicker than One UI 7, and the same goes for charging animation. Google has optimized these dynamic effects for such scenarios to ensure maximum visibility.

While Samsung wins in terms of the effects, Android 16 has an edge over the overall stability and smoothness.

Since One UI 7 is already out, Samsung can take inspiration from new Android 16 Material 3 Expressive Design’s battery icon optimizations and bring them to One UI 8, to make it act faster and smoother than the existing version.