One UI 8 leak reveals absence of One UI 7.1

Samsung is probably skipping One UI 7.1, an incremental version of the One UI 7. Until the One UI 6.1, Samsung debuted the new x.1 iteration of One UI with every new Galaxy S launch, meanwhile, things are changing dramatically in 2025.

Recently, Smartprix decompiled some Samsung apps that revealed the existence of the One UI 8 version. The source code portion listed One UI 6.1 (6_1), One UI 6.1.1 (6_1_1), and One UI 8 (8_0), skipping the One UI 7.1 (7_1).

(Credit – Smartprix)

While One UI 7.0 is available in Beta, it was discovered that Samsung is considering adding Decal Shader support to the One UI 8.0. This move aligns with the company’s ambitions to compete with Apple’s lead in mobile software fluency.

We’re hearing rumors denying the existence of the One UI 7.1 version. A credible leaker also recently revealed that the Galaxy S25 series is unlikely to come with One UI 7.1 at launch, and inputs might appear after 1 to 2 months.

It looks like Samsung is simplifying its One UI version strategy. The move is to streamline the development process and focus on reliable distribution. With the Note lineup’s cancellation, Samsung abandoned the x.5 version of One UI.

Well, the version number doesn’t affect feature availability. Samsung, if planned, can offer all the latest features with One UI 7.0, rather than requiring the 7.1. The new Galaxy phones would also ship with One UI 7.0, rather than 7.1.

This year’s One UI Beta Program is limited to the latest Galaxy S series. The older flagship phones will directly receive a Stable update to One UI 7.0. We may hear more about Samsung’s plans at the Unpacked scheduled for January 22.