Free Update for Your Older Samsung Galaxy Phone: Learn How to Access It
Samsung is set to broaden the reach of its One UI 8 beta program in September, making the update available for a wider range of devices. The expansion includes the highly anticipated Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, A36, A56, A35, and A54 [1].
The Samsung Members app serves as the gateway to access the One UI 8 beta for eligible devices. Users can look for a banner in the "Discover" tab of the app to initiate the process [2]. It's essential to note that the beta software might affect the performance and features of the phone, as it is not final.
Beyond the Galaxy S25 series, the One UI 8 beta update is eligible for several devices. These include the Galaxy S23 series (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra), Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra), Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S10 series, and several Galaxy A series models such as A36 5G, A55 5G, A35 5G, and A54 [3].
The beta program is also available for some Galaxy watches like the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, with plans to expand to other models later this year [1].
One UI 8 is powered by Android 16 and features a range of new updates [4]. However, the rollout of Android 16 has been accelerated by Google, causing a gap between Samsung device owners still waiting for Android 15 updates and Pixel owners enjoying Android 16.
[1] Samsung Newsroom. (2025, August 15). Samsung expands One UI 8 beta program to more devices. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-expands-one-ui-8-beta-program-to-more-devices
[2] Samsung Support. (n.d.). One UI 8 Beta Program. Retrieved from https://support.samsung.com/us/answer/ANS00086932
[3] Samsung Newsroom. (2025, August 15). Samsung One UI 8 beta now available for eligible devices in the UK, US, Korea, and India. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-one-ui-8-beta-now-available-for-eligible-devices-in-the-uk-us-korea-and-india
[4] Samsung Newsroom. (2025, August 15). One UI 8 based on Android 16 starts to appear, potentially shortening the lifespan of One UI 7. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/one-ui-8-based-on-android-16-starts-to-appear-potentially-shortening-the-lifespan-of-one-ui-7
Users can access the One UI 8 beta for devices like the Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, A36, A56, A35, and A54 through the Samsung Members app. With the expansion of the One UI 8 beta program, smartphones such as the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, and gadgets like several Galaxy A series models, will also receive the update.
