Samsung One UI 8 Update: Features & Differences

“More users will be able to use advanced and personalized AI in their daily lives” is how Samsung describes its latest One UI software update. Working alongside the Android 16 operating system, One UI 8 improves the already powerful mobile AI tools found on Samsung devices, with three main focus areas:

• Advanced multimodal AI capabilities

• A user experience (UX) optimized for different device form factors

• Personalised, proactive suggestions to make everyday life smarter and more convenient

So, how does this work compared to One UI 7? Keep reading as we discuss all the Samsung One UI 8 updates for 2025!

When was Samsung One UI 8.0 Launched?

The latest Samsung One UI 8 software was unveiled on July 9, 2025, at Samsung’s NYC Galaxy Unpacked event. 

The first devices to receive the update were the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, along with the S25 FE, which all came with One UI 8 pre-installed. The Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra tablet series also benefited from this upgrade.

One UI 8 officially launched onto the S25 series in mid-September 2025, initially in just South Korea. However, it did reach other models and territories throughout September and October, including:

• S24 series

• S24 FE

• Z Fold 6

• Z Flip 6

This is just a few examples of devices that now support One UI 8!

How to Upgrade to One UI 8.0

Unsure whether One UI 8 is ready on your device? You can easily check for the latest version in the Settings app:

1. Open Settings and click ‘Software update’ or ‘System updates.’

2. Select ‘Download and install.’

3. Tap ‘Check for system updates’ or ‘Check for software updates.’

4. The update should begin downloading automatically if it’s available. However, you may need to click ‘Download now’ on some devices. 

5. You can also tap ‘Last Update’ to see the most recent update on your device, including a summary of its main features and the UI edition.

Upgraded One UI 8.0 Features

What’s great about the One UI 8 update is that it has a variety of hidden features, which are upgraded to make Samsung phones and tablets more responsive to your needs. Here are some of our favorites:

• Quick Share allows you to send and receive multiple files more easily, in just one tap.

• The Reminder App has more effective organization with categories at the top of the screen, along with voice input functionality. You can also access sample reminder templates.

• Bluetooth Auracast is a new audio sharing standard that allows you to share music with friends and connect to a single audio stream. Simply scan a QR code!

• Alarm Groups mean you can add several alarms to your home screen as an easily accessible widget.

• Customer Support updates enable you to register for assistance more quickly via NFC (tap-to-connect) and QR code scanning. 

• Samsung Health’s food recording reminders help you stay on track with your calorie goals, while running distance challenges allow you to compete with friends.

The One UI 8 update combines all of these features to optimize Android 16 software, ensuring it works smoothly with your phone’s hardware. 

It also works more efficiently, which is ideal for boosting battery life. This is especially effective on new models like the flagship Galaxy S25, which already features Qualcomm’s power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

New Galaxy AI Features Introduced By One UI 8.0

One UI 8 expands popular Galaxy AI features that were initially introduced on the Galaxy S25 lineup, such as the Gemini Live AI assistant and Circle to Search. This creates a more intelligent AI system, while offering a more responsive device that properly protects your private information.

For example, Gemini Live can now be used directly from the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s external FlexWindow display. Circle to Search also has improved translation capabilities. Simply circle the text and you’ll get the translated language in real time!

‘Multimodal AI’ is the key focus here. This means that your Galaxy device can understand and interpret your behavior and the information you’re viewing on the screen, beyond simply using text commands. 

Galaxy AI now also analyses other data types like images and audio to offer useful suggestions that genuinely support your unique daily routine.

This multimodal model includes two main updates:

• Now Bar: Originally introduced in One UI 7, the small Now Bar panel displays real-time media player progress and app activity. If you have a Z Flip phone, this will be displayed directly on the outer FlexWindow! Now Bar also works with more third-party apps and offers useful suggestions.

• Now Brief: This feature appears on the Now Bar and provides a summary of tasks relevant to your daily agenda and routines. With One UI 8, these suggestions are even more personalized. Now Brief also offers recommendations based on your interests and subscriptions, plus tailored health insights if you have a Galaxy Watch.

These AI tasks are less dependent on the cloud and are instead managed mainly on-device – if you prefer. They’re available through Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), which creates encrypted storage environments for each app. 

It also automatically signs devices out of your Samsung Account if they’re flagged for serious risks, with notifications displaying guidance on how to protect your data.

Does Samsung’s One UI 8 Offer Any Design Changes?

Rather than offer a drastic shift, One UI 8’s subtle design changes aim to improve the overall Galaxy user experience. 

One of the main design upgrades introduced in the One UI 8 update is the Now Bar. It now works on the Z Flip’s external FlexWindow screen! This is part of Samsung’s strategy to ensure its user interfaces can adapt more seamlessly to different device types, from its flagship phones and foldables to tablets.

This functional Now Bar redesign means you can check notifications and view call information without needing to unlock your phone. Samsung Internet has had a reshuffle, too, with customization features that match the layout to your personal preferences.

Another small but useful improvement is Samsung Keyboard’s magnification feature, which enlarges the keys so they’re easier to see and use.

One UI 8 also delivers smoother animations and transitions, especially when you close multiple apps quickly. Expect fewer cut-offs and stutters!

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s latest One UI 8 update creates a more efficient, user-friendly AI and general experience, while continuing to protect your data. 

Next up is the second beta update for the upcoming One UI 8.5 release. This builds on the original 8.0 software and first beta, which introduces everything from design improvements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass display to new Photo Assist AI editing tools. The latest Android 16 update also brings plenty of bug fixes, like enabling dual recording through the Camera Assistant setting.

Keep an eye on Ghostek Insider in 2026 for further One UI and Samsung Galaxy updates as they appear!