Samsung has yet to release the stable Android 15-based One UI 7 for eligible devices, but that has not slowed down its development of the next OS. Recent reports suggest an early release due to delays with the current Android version, and new evidence indicates that Samsung is already working on Android 16-based One UI 8.
Google has adopted a new development model for Android 16 and later OS updates. Going forward, a new iteration will arrive around June. The move is to ensure all new Pixel phones debut with the latest OS. That probably affected Samsung’s release schedule, as they had to ditch One UI 7.1.1. Perhaps they will now release only a single major upgrade every year, meaning the Android 16-based One UI 8 update will arrive early.
Samsung Plans for the Android 16-based One UI 8
Google has already released Android 16 beta updates, which is when other smartphones start testing the build. While Samsung has not announced it publicly, we understand the tech company is developing the build internally. They are probably previewing it as a new device has popped up on the Benchmark website with Android 16.
The plan is to release stable Android 16 in June, early enough for the Pixel 10 series to debut with it. That means early release for other OEMs, like Samsung, and given the latest report, there is a chance the update will arrive before the end of 2025.
Given the time it has taken Samsung to preview One UI 7, probably due to the changes the update will bring, One UI 8 will likely be a tad upgrade. Perhaps it will focus on optimization and a few features to enhance users’ experience.
Meanwhile, it’s the Galaxy S25 that has been spotted running Android 16 on the Geekbench benchmark database. It’s an internal build, meaning only developers have access to it. That shows the development has started, but it will still take months before we see the final build. Of course, we expect things to be different with One UI 8, with a Q4 release time frame very likely.
Currently, only the S25 Android 16 build has been spotted, which makes sense since the device debuted with the Android 15-based One UI 7 build. Since Samsung is not rolling out a point upgrade this year, it’s straight to the next major release, which has now commenced for the device.
Samsung phones to receive Android 16 (One UI 8)
Samsung offers seven years of Android OS support, starting from the Galaxy S24. Hence, the device will receive Android 16 as well as Galaxy S25, which arrived a few months ago. You would expect the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 to get the update. Also, a few Galaxy A-series and Tab S-series devices are eligible for Android 16.
Galaxy S Smartphones eligible for Android 16 (One UI 8)
- Galaxy S24 Series
- Galaxy S23 Series
- Galaxy S22 Series
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Phones eligible for Android 16 (One UI 8)
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4
Galaxy A Phones eligible for Android 16 (One UI 8)
- Galaxy A33, A53 and A73
- Galaxy A15, A25, A35 and A55
- Galaxy A14, A24, A34 and A54
- Galaxy A06, A16
Galaxy Tab Tablets eligible for Android 16 (One UI 8)
- Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra.
Of course, the list is not comprehensive nor is it official. We expect an official announcement when the build is ready, so we are still a few months away from the release. Nevertheless, if your device was released last year, it will get an upgrade to Android 16 with One UI 8.
