The Galaxy ecosystem is about to receive its next major interface update.Users around the world are already looking towards One UI 8, Samsung's new customization layer that will arrive integrated with Android 16. Although One UI 7 is still in the rollout phase on many devices, the South Korean machinery is already working on the next version, with leaks and screenshots that have begun to circulate and that advance the main lines of this update. Users are wondering: when will One UI 8 be released?
Following delays and a pause in the global rollout of One UI 7, the pace of One UI 8 development is accelerating.. Smartprix, Android Authority and other specialized media have had access to versions alpha of this interface, tested on development devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold6. This allows us to more clearly understand what to expect from the update, when it will officially arrive, and what specific improvements it includes for both recent models and those launched in recent years.
One UI 8: a continuous evolution over One UI 7
The new update builds on the solid foundation of One UI 7, which marked the jump to Android 15 and introduced a significant set of changes to design and AI. In the case of One UI 8, the leaks to date point to a more subtle visual refresh, focused on refining the user experience and addressing inconsistencies that remained with the previous generation.
The first images show a interface very similar to the current one, with minor improvements in the design of native applicationsThis is the case with the Gallery and File Manager, which have improved organization and cleanliness, using circular elements and clearer layouts to highlight categories and shortcuts. The placement of icons and buttons within the Gallery has been revised, making it easier to find albums, videos, locations, and favorites more intuitively.
In File Explorer, the categories section has a new look and recent files They've changed their position, now just below the main shortcuts. These tweaks aim to streamline access to documents, images, and other files stored on the phone, eliminating the sharp corners that plagued the previous interface and providing a more polished aesthetic, but without radically changing the visual language.
Overall, the dominant feeling is that of a “feature drop” type update: More evolutionary than revolutionary, consolidating changes and smoothing out the rough edges still present after the deployment of One UI 7.
Integration with Android 16 and functional updates
Beyond the visual, One UI 8 is based on Android 16 and will adapt the features released by Google in its latest version of the operating system to the Samsung experience. The integration promises improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and security. Among the aspects confirmed by leaks and screenshots are changes in storage management, optimizations for multitasking on foldable devices, and smoother animations and transitions.
One of the most talked about features is the arrival of Now Brief to a larger number of Galaxy models. This feature, which until now was exclusive to the Galaxy S25 family, will be extended to devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and other recent flagships. Now Brief analyzes daily routines and activities, displaying personalized suggestions and summaries for the user, reinforcing the artificial intelligence component of the One UI experience.
On the other hand, they are confirmed Minor adjustments to the Gallery, with better structured menus and better distributed shortcutsVideos, favorites, locations, shared albums, and settings gain presence and are easier to access from the home screen. The goal is to offer simple control over stored photos and videos, introducing a less cluttered design than in One UI 7.
In the case of the Files app, category grouping, and the reorganization of recent files take center stage. The change is rather subtle, but it shows Samsung's intention to eliminate the less polished details that the previous version carried over in favor of greater visual coherence.
One UI 8 release date and first compatible devices
According to industry sources and media such as Smartprix, The official presentation of One UI 8 will coincide with the debut of the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7., marked on the calendar for summer 2025, likely at the Unpacked event in July. Samsung plans to release the stable version of Android 16 around that time, beating rivals like Xiaomi and Google to the update schedule.
The beta program will launch in the months leading up to the launch, with early access for developers and advanced users. As usual, The first to get One UI 8 will be the latest high-end models., such as the Galaxy S25, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and the upcoming Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. The update will then be rolled out gradually to other devices in the Galaxy catalog, always subject to the annual support cycles for each device.
One of the most significant changes compared to previous updates will be the faster global rollout of the new version, as Samsung has optimized the process of adapting its layer to the Android 16 base.
Leaked images: this is the One UI 8 interface
The preliminary captures revealed by Smartprix correspond to a self alpha One UI 8 running on the Galaxy Z Fold6Examining the interface, it's clear that Samsung has opted for caution: there are hardly any radical changes, beyond subtle tweaks to the menu layout and organization of its own apps.
The Gallery and File Explorer are the sections that have the most new visual features.The reorganized structure and circular icons in categories or albums reinforce the commitment to an organized experience. Quick action buttons—shared albums, trash, settings, delete—are now larger and more spacious, avoiding the cluttered feel of the previous generation. The visibility of access to videos, locations, and favorites has also been improved, making it easier to navigate the photo library.
In short, these are changes to what's already known, designed to smooth the learning curve without disconcerting the regular Samsung user. The priority seems to be visual consistency and the integration of all the new features of Android 16 into the Galaxy ecosystem., more than an aesthetic or functional rupture.
First impressions and what's to come
Early tests indicate that One UI 8 promises smoother, more polished performanceIt's not a complete overhaul, but it marks the maturity of an interface revamped less than a year ago with the arrival of One UI 7. Users are expected to notice greater fluidity, along with fewer graphical inconsistencies. Access to advanced artificial intelligence features, such as Now Brief, will be one of the key differentiators, allowing for a more personalized experience even on devices outside the premium range.
Although the update is still months away from reaching the vast majority of Galaxy phones, early leaks and screenshots suggest a logical continuation of the current generation. The changes in appearance focus on details, and functionality grows especially in those areas where Samsung believes there is room for improvement., such as multimedia management, storage, and integration with Android 16.
With no official confirmations and initial versions still in the testing phase, the Galaxy community remains closely awaiting future announcements. Everything indicates that, unless serious issues arise during development, One UI 8 will be released in the summer of 2025., marking the beginning of a new era for Samsung software and laying the groundwork for what's to come in future foldable and conventional devices from the brand.
The system aims to strengthen its ecosystem with the integration of Android 16, offering a more stable and consistent experience across all compatible Galaxy devices.
