Samsung has yet to start rolling out the latest Android 15 upgrade to eligible users. The company’s phones with the much-anticipated upgrade are the ones that debuted running the current OS. However, it looks like things will be entirely different with Android 16-based One UI 8, which might launch in Q3 2025.
We are all disappointed that Samsung has not released One UI 7 yet, but that is due to some changes. Nevertheless, the update will start rolling out tomorrow with the Galaxy S24 series. As expected, the late release will not affect the development of One UI 8. It turns out Samsung is already developing the build for its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 devices.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 to run Android 16-based One UI 8 outside of the box
If you have been following Samsung, you will know that the new Galaxy Z series phones debut with One UI x.1.1 build. While that will not happen this year since Samsung has canceled the release of One UI 7.1.1, probably due to the delays in rolling out stable One UI 7, the duo will supposedly debut with One UI 8.
One UI 8 will be based on Android 16, and we already spotted a new build on Samsung servers. It’s not surprising that Samsung is already planning for the release with the upcoming Galaxy Z series. Nevertheless, it will probably be a half-baked build, like they did with the Galaxy S25, which has yet to get all the features of One UI 7.
Android 16-based One UI 8 launch date
Google will release a stable Android 16 build in June or July. That is probably when Pixel users get the update and a possible release to AOSP. With the beta build already available, we believe Samsung is working with that to test their system apps. It will be easy to pre-install the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 with the build.
If that is the case, Samsung will release One UI 8 in July. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 arrived on July 10, 2024, and we expect the same time frame for the successor. Nevertheless, since beta tests can be complicated, there might be delays, but it seems very likely Samsung will release Android 16 on time this year.
One UI 8 beta program for Samsung users
Usually, there will be a beta program for older phones just like we are witnessing with the One UI 7. However, we cannot say when, as there is a beta program going on. Only developers are testing the One UI 8 beta build, which will arrive for eligible users later in the year.
Samsung will probably open the beta program for One UI 8 after the I/O 2025 event scheduled for May 20 and 21. Google uses the event to talk and showcase all the changes coming to Android. That is usually when beta updates are released, but we have seen them earlier due to recent changes.
source: Sammobile
