Samsung Launches One UI 8 Beta Program for Galaxy S25 Series

Samsung has officially kicked off the beta testing phase for its One UI 8, which is based on Android 16. Users of the Galaxy S25 series, including the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, can now register to experience this early version of the software.

The beta program is available in several key markets, including Germany, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This new iteration aims to provide a faster rollout compared to the previous One UI 7 update, which faced significant delays.

One of the highlights of this update is the introduction of a sophisticated multimodal AI agent, specifically designed to enhance the user experience across various Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung has indicated that close collaboration with Google has expedited the development process, positioning them among the first manufacturers to integrate Android into their customized user interface.

In a strategic move, Google previously announced that the adjusted release timeline for Android 16 aligns better with their overall device launch schedule, enabling a quicker adoption of the latest Android version across multiple devices.

The first devices to ship with One UI 8 out of the box will be the Galaxy Z series foldables, expected to launch in July. This update will also introduce a new development cycle for Samsung's software, emphasizing crucial user experience (UX) enhancements and artificial intelligence (AI) improvements.

One UI 8 is set to expand upon the AI features introduced with the Galaxy S25. According to Samsung, the update will tailor the user interface for various device form factors and provide users with personalized, proactive suggestions.

Additionally, features from One UI 7, such as the Now Bar and Now Brief, will be enhanced to deliver more individualized insights and recommendations. Users can also anticipate the inclusion of Google's Live Update feature.

Another significant addition is the incorporation of Auracast, a Bluetooth LE-based broadcast audio technology that is natively integrated into Android 16. This functionality allows multiple Auracast-enabled devices to connect to a single audio source, simplifying the process through QR code scanning and sharing, eliminating the need for complex pairing procedures.

Furthermore, the Reminder app will receive an update aimed at improving usability, including voice control support. Users will also be able to share tasks with a single button press. Quick Share will be streamlined, allowing users to send and receive files quickly with a tap on the quick share button in the settings menu.

Samsung also aims to enhance customer support in repair centers by linking One UI 8 QR and NFC capabilities with Samsung accounts. This integration will eliminate the need for customers to fill out registration forms, thereby reducing wait times and simplifying service requests.

Galaxy S25 owners can register their devices for the beta program through the Members app.