One UI 7 update is rolling out gradually, rendering many Samsung devices ineligible for the One UI 8 upgrade. Samsung is preparing to drop the Android 16 update this summer, which will further elevate One UI 7 experiences on Galaxy devices.

Samsung One UI 7 is a major firmware upgrade for Galaxy devices, and the ineligibility of One UI 8 may not be a big deal. The UI enhancements, smooth animations, modern icons, new features, and Now Bar are here to upscale Galaxy experiences.

OS upgrades are always welcome, but it’s not possible for an OEM to provide endless support. The Galaxy S21 is a popular Samsung lineup, but the end of support bids farewell to an era, leaving the models to spend the remaining life on One UI 7.

Flagship Galaxy Devices

The following Galaxy devices have completed their major upgrade lifecycle. Starting with Android 12, Samsung has rolled out four major OS upgrades. As of now, Samsung has no plans to extend the software update support.

• Galaxy S21
• Galaxy S21+
• Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip 3

Mid-range, budget, and tablet devices

Non-flagship Samsung devices typically receive three OS upgrades. Budget phones are not included in the list as they are only eligible for two OS updates. You can enjoy the One UI 7 advancements if you don’t have a plan for a device upgrade.

• Galaxy A14
• Galaxy A14 5G
• Galaxy M33
• Galaxy M14
• Galaxy M14 5G
• Galaxy F14 5G
• Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
• Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro

Note. The list is prepared based on Samsung’s software policy and device OS support. The listed devices will most likely remain on the One UI 7 version, unless the company officially extends major upgrade support, like Google did earlier.

Google has recently announced a big Material 3 Expressive redesign, which will launch with Android 16 later this year. The new design will first be available on Pixel phones. This has led many to ask whether the same Material 3 Expressive redesign experience will be available on Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 8?

So first, let’s talk about what Material 3 Expressive Redesign actually is. This redesign upgrades Android with fluid animations, enhanced haptics, and visual depth through blur effects. It introduces dynamic color themes, improved typography, and redesigned Quick Settings with resizable tiles and bold sliders. All changes aim to make Android more responsive, modern, and user-friendly.

Now, if you have a Samsung phone, you might wonder if you’ll get this new design. The answer is that it will not be fully available on Galaxy devices with One UI 8.

Samsung uses its own custom skin, One UI, based on top of Android. With the upcoming One UI 8, based on Android 16, Samsung won’t fully switch to the new Material 3 Expressive design. However, you’ll start seeing some of the changes through Google apps.

Apps like Google Keep, Google Photos, and Gemini will begin to look more like the new Material design. These updates will come gradually as Google updates its apps on your phone.

Samsung devices won’t have the full Material 3 Expressive redesign like Pixel phones with One UI 8. It will only start appearing on Google apps over time.

Google unveils Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive: Enhanced Personalization, Dynamic UI, and Live Updates

One UI 8 will be the last major upgrade for the Galaxy S22 series, and Samsung is already testing it internally. Recently, we’ve seen a Galaxy S23 running Android 16 firmware, now, it’s the S22 Ultra’s turn to hit the benchmark platform.

Recently, a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has been spotted running Android 16-based One UI 8 on Geekbench. The latest test build is said to be carrying PDA build version S908USQU8GYCB, via @tarunvats33.

With internal One UI 8 running, the Galaxy S22 Ultra scored 1581 and 3680 points in single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. The performance scores may improve further as the build’s optimization progresses.

Samsung has recently confirmed that the Android 16 is coming to Galaxy devices this summer. Developments indicate that the new OS would be introduced with the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 foldable phones this July.

The South Korean tech giant may soon launch the One UI 8 Beta Program. The Galaxy S25 series, Z Flip6, and Z Fold6 are first in line to receive the Beta update. However, older devices may directly jump to the Stable One UI 8 software.

From what we’ve seen in the leaks, One UI 8 could be a minor upgrade over One UI 7. It will bring redesigned apps and system functions. The aim is to streamline the Galaxy experience and elevate the user experience with refinements.

Galaxy users can expect even more fluid animations in One UI 8. The software is said to be equipped with a next-gen animation engine. Transition effects and overall system software will be optimized well to offer reliable experiences.

We are in mid-May 2025, and Samsung has started rolling out an Android 15-based One UI 7 update to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE Plus. This major update takes your Galaxy experience to the next level through new features and enhancements.

Users of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus are getting the One UI 7 update with One UI build version ending with CYE1. The installation package size of this update is around 3.6 GB. The update is currently rolling out for users in Korea, and the company will expand it soon.

One UI 7 is based on Android 15 and brings many improvements. It offers a better user experience, improved performance, and stronger security. It also includes new features and a fresh design that makes using your device easier and more enjoyable.

The update includes many much-awaited changes, including a vertical scrolling app drawer, redesigned icons, better widget customization options, larger home screen folders, and a new user interface. It also brings new designs for various apps, which further improve the overall look and feel of the system.

Moreover, it updates several apps to the latest available version. Notably, the update installs the April 2025 security patch to improve system security and stability.

To install the update, open the tab’s Settings, select ‘Software Update’, and then ‘Download and install’. Following these steps will ensure that your Galaxy Tab is up-to-date with the latest security protections and features.

Thanks for the tip! Alfaturk

One UI 7 brings a dynamic new design across the Settings section. Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8 update is expected to bring subtle yet notable design tweaks to some specific pages, such as the Security and Privacy Settings.

Samsung is internally working on the Android 16-based One UI 8 version. The new software will likely debut with the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 this July. A public Beta Program is expected to start later this month or early next month.

One UI 8 brings design tweaks to various system functions and stock apps. The latest change has been spotted in the Security and Privacy Settings page in One UI 8, which brings subtle yet notable design changes.

A screenshot from One UI 8 showcases the Security and Privacy Settings page. The difference is not huge, but the new version has added a dedicated header. It brings the overall security status report into a header in a unified look.

In One UI 7, the security status component is quite big, occupying a significant space. Meanwhile, One UI 8 trims it down and adds it within a dedicated header. The component is now smaller and tagged with the bright status message.

Left – One UI 7 (Public) | Right One UI 8 (Internal) / Via – DevOfIpos

One UI 8 is still under development, and the leaked design changes can’t be considered final. Samsung continues to internally refine its Android 16-based One UI skin before bringing it to the public through the Beta Program.

Disclaimer: This article contains information based on leaks and rumors. Please take this news with a pinch of salt, as it has not been officially confirmed. Details about tech products, features, or company strategies can change.