As Samsung continues with the progressive deployments of One UI 7, its current layer based on Android 15, the first leaks of its successor are beginning to appear, One UI 8This new version, which will run on Android 16, has already been captured in screenshots and internal tests, revealing some of its first changes.
One UI 8, still in phase development alpha, seems to focus on visual and optimization tweaks rather than a deep transformation of the system. The first images, obtained from a Galaxy z fold6, show that Samsung has opted for a continuous approach after the major revision that the previous version represented.
Visual changes and minor redesign in some apps
The first modifications have been detected in two applications of the Samsung ecosystem: Gallery y My filesIn both cases, the changes are subtle but aim for greater visual consistency and a smoother user experience.
In the case of File Browser, highlights a reorganization of the categories section, which now features a cleaner and more attractive design. The "recent files" section has been relocated just after the main shortcuts, improving navigation.
For its part, the app of Gallery The layout of the shortcuts on the home screen has also been tweaked. Actions like Favorites, Locations, and Recents are now more accessible, and the buttons for Shared Albums, Trash, and Settings have gained visual prominence thanks to a more intuitive design.
These changes, although small, point to the objective of polish details and inconsistencies detected in One UI 7, where some elements had poorly integrated edges or an unclear arrangement.
The Now Brief feature expands beyond the Galaxy Z Fold6
One of the most striking aspects of these leaks is the possible abandonment of exclusivity of the function Now BriefUntil now, this feature used artificial intelligence to offer personalized summaries with information about the weather, notifications, and important events, and it is already working on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold6.
There is speculation that Samsung could be preparing a more massive deployment This feature has been rolled out with the arrival of One UI 8, bringing it to other high-end devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or even earlier models. The goal is to improve the user experience by adapting to their daily routines, similar to the smart assistant function on other platforms.
This strategy could repeat what happened with other Galaxy AI features, which were initially exclusive to a few models and later extended to the entire range.
A parallel job: Android 15 and Android 16 coexist
As has happened previously, Samsung is working in parallel with different versions of their operating system. While some devices are still waiting to receive One UI 7, based on Android 15, One UI 8 is already being tested internally on Android 16The official version of Google's Android 16 isn't expected until summer.
The latest information suggests that Samsung is looking to accelerate its update rate, trying to position itself among the first manufacturers to adopt the new version of Android. The goal would be to launch One UI 8 almost simultaneously with the arrival of Android 16, although this represents a challenge given the usual complexity of updates.
According to some sources, the official launch of One UI 8 could coincide with the presentation of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, scheduled for approximately July, following the trend of previous years.
An evolution rather than a revolution
Those who have seen this alpha version consider that One UI 8 follows a line evolutionary, with changes that don't break with the past, but rather refine what already exists. No major reconfigurations in design or functionality are expected, but rather a gradual refinement.
This approach, while conservative, is in line with Samsung's strategy to consolidate the progress made in One UI 7, which already involved a thorough overhaul of the interface, improvements to widgets, new AI features, and a general optimization of the Galaxy ecosystem.
With One UI 8, the focus seems to be on stability, performance and polish, providing a more mature and refined experience without disrupting the typical user flows. This helps maintain familiarity and improves the overall quality of the system.
On the other hand, the leaks correspond to early versions, so more profound changes could still be implemented before the official release, which has yet to be determined.
At this early stage, it's clear that Samsung is continuing its strategy of active and accelerated development, in line with Google's timelines and seeking to deliver relevant updates to its ecosystem. leaked images They only give a preview of what's coming, but they indicate a commitment to improving and consolidating the Galaxy experience with Android 16 as the technological foundation.