New Samsung Galaxy Software Update: Insights on One UI 8
Samsung has unveiled its latest software update, One UI 8, based on Android 16. The update is set to bring a host of new features and improvements to Galaxy devices.
Improved Functionality in My Files and Reminder Apps
The My Files app in One UI 8 now allows users to filter files according to the app from which the package was downloaded. The Reminder app, on the other hand, has undergone a design makeover, featuring a cleaner look and categorized events on the homepage. Creating reminders is now easier with a dedicated text field at the bottom for typing details and a slide-based system for adding other details. Users can also add custom categories and color-code them with symbols.
Enhanced Quick Share and Split-View Mode
The updated split-view mode in One UI 8 sees the foreground app occupy the majority share of the screen, while the background app's UI is only visible as a bar. Enhanced Quick Share features large share and receive buttons at the bottom of the screen, a separate option for instantly generating a QR code or link for sharing files, and a less cluttered interface.
Auracast: A New Way to Share Audio
One UI 8 introduces Auracast to Samsung's Galaxy smartphones. This Bluetooth-based technology allows users to share audio streams with other devices, such as Samsung's wearables like the Galaxy Buds 3, and Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible hearing aids from companies like GN Hearing and Starkey. Auracast also includes a password feature to prevent strangers from accessing the audio stream.
Rollout Plan and Supported Devices
The devices that will initially support One UI 8 based on Android 16 are the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Z Flip7 FE, which come with One UI 8 pre-installed. The Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra) is next in line, with beta testing starting in May 2025 and the stable release expected to begin in mid-August 2025.
The wider rollout of One UI 8 is scheduled to continue through August and September 2025, with other eligible models receiving the update in a phased approach. These include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and previous generations, Galaxy Tab S10, S9, S8 series, and select mid-range devices like the Galaxy A55 and A35.
Summary
Samsung's One UI 8 rollout based on Android 16 is underway and will broaden significantly during the late summer of 2025. With its improved functionality, enhanced features, and the introduction of Auracast, One UI 8 promises to offer a more seamless and enjoyable user experience for Samsung Galaxy device users.
[1] Samsung Newsroom. (2025, July). Samsung Announces One UI 8 Based on Android 16. Retrieved from [https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-announces-one-ui-8-based-on-android-16]
[2] Samsung Newsroom. (2025, June). Samsung Announces Plans for One UI 8.5 Based on Android 16. Retrieved from [https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-announces-plans-for-one-ui-8-5-based-on-android-16]
[3] Samsung Developer. (2025, July). One UI 8 Developer Preview. Retrieved from [https://developer.samsung.com/galaxy/apps/one-ui-8-developer-preview]
- The My Files app and the Reminder app in One UI 8 now offer new features, such as a cleaner design, categorized events, and easier creation of reminders through a dedicated text field and slide-based system.
- One UI 8 also introduces Auracast to Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, a Bluetooth-based technology that allows users to share audio streams with other devices and includes a password feature to prevent unauthorized access.
