Samsung releases first One UI 8 beta, based on Android 16, for Galaxy S25

Ben Schoon | May 28 2025 - 5:32 am PT

After weeks of rumors, Samsung has just released the first One UI 8 beta, based on Android 16, for the Galaxy S25 series in select regions.

Rolling out now, One UI 8 is Samsung’s Android 16 update. Despite Android 15 having been delayed for several months, Samsung is on track to be among the first to make Android 16 available to its users, and that starts with this first One UI 8 beta update for the Galaxy S25 series.

Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra users can apply to install the One UI 8 beta through the Samsung Members app using the new sign-up process that Samsung announced last week.

The update weighs in at around 3GB and is based on the May 2025 security patch.

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In the United States, this update only supports unlocked Galaxy S25 devices, or those on T-Mobile. Other carrier variants are not eligible.

In an announcement post, Samsung explains that One UI 8’s speedy rollout is thanks in part to close collaboration with Google:

Through open communication, Samsung and Google actively shared their respective design systems and real-time feedback with one another, accelerating software development that made One UI 8 one of the first UI platforms to adopt Android 16.

New features highlighted by Samsung include updated Quick Share and Reminder app updates, upgrades to Now Bar and Now Brief, QR codes for Auracast sharing, and more.

One UI 8 is not only about providing the AI experience, but also includes convenient, intuitive tools designed to make your day-to-day experiences with your mobile devices even more seamless. Auracast — a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio — will support effortless audio connection via QR code scanning and sharing, allowing multiple Auracast devices — like Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids — to join a shared audio stream without the hassle of a complex manual setup. Additionally, customer support at repair centers will be faster and more convenient, thanks to QR- and NFC-enabled support accessible right in Samsung Account. You can now register with QR or NFC without having to write any registration forms, reducing wait times and simplifying service requests.

The Reminder app will be your travel supporter with more convenient and intuitive features. If you are planning a trip to New York with your family, you can manage all your reminders in one place as soon as you open the app with a UX that is easy-looking even for first-time users. You can also share a list of to-dos for your trip with the press of a button. When your hands are full of shopping bags, you can use your voice to add reminders on the go as it is voice enabled.

Sharing memories with family and friends will also be easier than ever with enhanced Quick Share. A single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel will let you instantly send and receive files.

The update is now available in Korea, the UK, Germany, and the US and should be coming to other regions in time.

Meanwhile, the rollout of Samsung’s Android 15 update is still underway…