Once your Galaxy S22 gets One UI 8, that’s it for major Android OS upgrades. No Android 17 or beyond. The term “bittersweet goodbye” fits perfectly for Galaxy S22 users facing the end of major updates with Android 16.

When Samsung’s One UI 8 lands, you’ll get a final batch of new features and improvements tied to Android 16. It’s the end of a four-year journey that started with Android 12, followed by security updates through 2027.

Samsung released the Galaxy S22 series with Android 12 and One UI 4.1 out of the box. At the time, the company committed to providing four major Android OS upgrades for its flagship phones. Here’s what that looks like for the S22 lineup:

• Android 12 (One UI 4.1) – The starting point in 2022.
• Android 13 (One UI 5) – The first major upgrade.
• Android 14 (One UI 6) – The second major upgrade.
• Android 15 (One UI 7) – The third major upgrade, likely rolling out around now or soon, depending on your region.
• Android 16 (One UI 8) – The fourth and final major upgrade, expected sometime in 2026.

Since the S22 series debuted in February 2022, you can expect security patches to keep coming until at least February 2027. These updates won’t bring new features, but they’ll help protect your device from vulnerabilities.

Samsung is bringing One UI 8 early this year, with the Beta Program likely within a month. The Galaxy S22 series might not join the Beta Program and jump straight to the Android 16-based One UI 8 firmware by the end of the year.

Galaxy S21 Series

As One UI 7 (Android 15) is already out, the Galaxy S21 series has received its final major upgrade, making it ineligible for One UI 8 (Android 16).

Launched in January 2021 with Android 11, the S21 series originally fell under Samsung’s three-year update policy. However, in 2022, Samsung extended that to four major upgrades for select devices, including the S21 lineup.

If Samsung cares about its fans, these phones should get One UI 8

Samsung might start the One UI 8 Beta Program for Galaxy devices in late May or early June 2025. Before the official announcement, a banner has been spotted for the One UI 8 Beta Program in the Samsung Members app.

A Samsung Galaxy smartphone user, @MarioSamsungBoy, has recently found new code in the Samsung Members app that shows a One UI 8 Beta banner and poster. This poster looks very similar to the ones Samsung used for earlier beta programs, which suggests it is for One UI 8.

Moreover, the poster has mentioned that no beta programs are available right now, but it asks users to check back later. Its design matches Samsung’s typical aesthetic for Beta programs, with minimalistic graphics and a focus on functionality.

Image via MarioSamsungBoy

This shows that Samsung is already preparing the One UI 8 Beta internally. It could be released very soon for Galaxy users. Samsung seems to be working quickly on the new version of One UI, getting ready to let users try it out before the final release.

It is expected that the Galaxy S25 series, including the Galaxy S25 Edge, will be the first Samsung Galaxy series to get the One UI 8 Beta. If you have one of the latest Galaxy flagship phones, you should keep checking the Samsung Members app for the banner.

To join the beta program when it launches, make sure your phone’s software is up to date. Also, update the Samsung Members app to the latest version. When the beta becomes available, you might see a notification or banner inside the app to register.

It seems that Samsung is getting close to releasing the One UI 8 Beta Program, and users of the newest Galaxy phones should stay ready to join and try it early. Stay tuned for more information.

One UI 8 redefines the magic of One UI 7’s Lock Screen AOD animations [Watch]

Samsung’s One UI 7.0 is a massive upgrade, and there’s plenty to explore. As always, Samsung hasn’t mentioned everything in the hefty update changelog, as new Software Update Download Settings have just come on our radar in One UI 7.0.

One UI 7.0 integrated a new settings page for Software Update Auto Download. It’s a major upgrade over the previous One UI versions, including the One UI 6.1. It follows our recent findings of the addition of new tools in the Power Saving menu.

Samsung has kept the One UI 7 software update page and placement similar to the One UI 6.1. However, the auto download toggle has turned into a dedicated section with even more update download tools to choose from.

One UI 6.1

Android 14-based One UI 6.1 has two sections and a toggle within the Software Update menu.

1. Download and install
2. Auto download over Wi-Fi
3. Last update

Hitting the first option triggers manual software update discovery. The second is a toggle that lets you enable or disable auto download updates via Wi-Fi. The third option expands the latest update’s details and changelog.

One UI 7.0

Samsung has turned the toggle into a separate section like the two others in One UI 7.0.

1. Download and install
2. Auto download
3. Last update

The newly added Auto download page has a clear description regarding the function. For added convenience, the section has three useful options for auto download of the latest software updates when they arrive, including:

1. Never
2. Using Wi-Fi only
3. Using Wi-Fi or mobile data

The OS has selected “Using Wi-Fi only” by default for auto update downloads. If you don’t want to automate updates, you can pick the “Never” option, and if you want to allow the download over mobile data, the third option to be selected.

Samsung has pushed a new update for Smart Switch Mobile, which makes it easier to transfer your data with an updated connection method. This update arrives version 3.7.64.10  on Galaxy devices and is available for download on the Galaxy Store

Smart Switch is a helpful app that lets you move important information such as your contacts, music, photos, calendar, messages, and settings to a new Samsung phone. It can also help you find your favorite apps or suggest similar ones from the Google Play Store.

The latest update of Samsung Smart Switch improves the app’s wireless connection method. This means the data transfer process over Wi-Fi will now work better and faster. Also, Samsung has fixed some bugs and brought general stability improvements to make sure the app runs more smoothly.

Samsung Smart Switch Mobile update – v3.7.64.10#Samsung #OneUI pic.twitter.com/P0nOKh0cmW

— Sheetal Malviya (@Malviy_Sheetal) May 17, 2025

You can download the update via Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can download the update through third third-party app link mentioned here.

With the release of One UI 7, Samsung also gave the Smart Switch app a fresh look. The app icon now looks more 3D and modern. The user interface (UI) has been updated too, making it easier and more comfortable to use.

Samsung is now getting ready to open the One UI 8 Beta Program for Galaxy phones. While One UI 8 might not huge as One UI 7 but it will focus on improving current features. We may also see more upgrades to the Smart Switch app once One UI 8 is released.

Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app gets a fresh look with One UI 7

Samsung is currently testing the beta version of One UI 8 internally. As usual, some details and leaks are showing up online, giving us a sneak peek at the new features. Now, the latest leak shows improved animations when switching from the AOD (Always-On Display) to the Lock Screen in One UI 8.

A reliable tipster shared a video that shows this new animation. It looks much smoother compared to the one in One UI 7. When you go from AOD to the Lock Screen, the transition feels more fluid and polished. It gives the phone a more modern feel.

In the animation, the clock on the AOD starts at a normal size. As you move to the Lock Screen, the clock expands slightly downward, which looks neat and adds a stylish touch. It’s a small change, but it makes the overall experience feel better.

One UI 8: New AOD to LockScreen Animation 👀 pic.twitter.com/Yb1Pkg1Gtu

— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) May 17, 2025

Right now, some Galaxy device users on One UI 7 are facing issues with the Lock Screen and AOD, such as lagging or repeating animation. Many people are hoping that One UI 8 will fix these problems and offer a smoother experience.

Reports claim that Samsung might release the One UI 8 beta for Galaxy devices in late May or early June 2025. This beta version will let users try out the new features before the official release.

This leaked animation gives users something to look forward to. Currently, we can take this information with a pinch of salt. It is expected that One UI 8 could bring a more refined and enjoyable user experience for Samsung phone users.

Here’s how to change or remove AOD in One UI 7 using Good Lock