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One UI 8 is making some exciting changes to Galaxy devices, but not everyone will get to experience them. The most recent update for Android is poised to bring more, better features to Samsung’s ecosystem. But this software update may not come to older Galaxy phones at all.
The rollout schedule indicates which devices receive priority treatment and which ones are pending. Due to Samsung’s update policy, some popular older models won’t support Samsung’s One UI 8. That puts users in a difficult position trying to decide when to upgrade their hardware.
So let’s delve into everything you need to know about it and what difference it will make to your Galaxy device.
One UI 8 — Who Gets It First (and Who's Waiting)
The VIP Treatment: Premium Galaxy Devices
Samsung’s One UI 8 focuses first and foremost on top-end models. The Galaxy S25 family is at the front of the line, with the standard S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra all getting open door access from day one. These top-of-the-line Galaxy phones came with One UI 8 out of the box, offering users the newest experience off the bat.
Foldable tech gets a nod, too. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are Samsung at its best. And they’re cool concepts too – these are innovative design models illustrating how Samsung’s One UI 8 makes the Android 16 platform a good fit for foldable displays.
The Galaxy S24 lineup is harrying just behind. Samsung doesn’t let its latest flagship devices go without the new updates. Those in possession of compatible models can look forward to seamless transitions to the new UI.
Mid-Tier Reality Check
Mid-range devices in the Galaxy A series have a longer wait ahead. The list also includes sought-after models such as the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G; however, none are being prioritized. That said, these are budget devices and should get the One UI update three to four months after it is available for flagships.
Differences by region lead to very different speeds of rollout. Some markets realize quicker deployment while others have to wait longer. When mid-range phones get Samsung’s One UI 8, access is also affected by carrier-friendly relationships.
The Forgotten Devices
This major update may exclude some older Galaxy phones. Galaxy S20 series and older Note models may not support the new software requirements. The general Samsung update policy allows for a total of four major Android OS updates.
Some of the Budget Galaxy A series devices with less powerful hardware might also not see it either. For the former, Samsung will judge whether a device is capable of running new features before the user can finally unlock it.
One UI 8 Rollout Timeline: Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Device Category | Rollout Status |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Galaxy S25 Series | Complete |
| October 2025 | Galaxy S24, Z Fold/Flip 6 | In Progress |
| November 2025 | Galaxy A Series, Older Flagships | Scheduled |
| December 2025 | Remaining Eligible Devices | Final Wave |
September 2025: The Launch Wave
Samsung’s One UI 8 rollout began in South Korea on September 15, 2025. The Galaxy S25 series received immediate access as the flagship series. Early adopters in Samsung’s home market tested stability before global expansion.
Regional deployment followed within days. Major markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, received staged releases. This careful approach ensures system upgrade quality across different network configurations.
October 2025: Mass Deployment
Most Galaxy phones and Galaxy Tab series devices receive Samsung’s One UI 8 in October. This includes the popular Galaxy S24 lineup, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 models. Samsung tablets also join the firmware update wave.
Mid-range Galaxy A series devices begin receiving updates. Models like the Galaxy A55 and A35 get priority within this category. Newer mid-range phones typically receive updates before older budget models.
November 2025: Final Push
The rest of the eligible devices will get their Samsung One UI 8 in the month of November. Samsung wants to wrap up the stable release before December 2025. This timeframe will see most supported devices updated within three months.
For devices locked to a carrier, there may be further delays. Network testing and certification can add weeks to rollouts. Blazing fast updates. Carrier phones are generally slower to receive software updates.
Biggest One UI 8 Features You'll Actually Use
Galaxy AI Gets Smarter
One UI 8 from Samsung employs enhanced artificial intelligence that learns daily habits. The Now Bar provides individual suggestions based on usage patterns. Now Brief delivers context throughout the day.
Multi-modalities of Galaxy AI comprehend voice, text, and visual inputs at the same time. This leads to more natural engagement with your device. Preferences are learned over time, so that the AI becomes more and more helpful.
Enhanced Multitasking & Productivity
Samsung DeX receives significant improvements in Samsung’s One UI 8. The desktop experience now includes widgets on the home screen. Multi-window functionality works more smoothly across applications.
A revamped Quick Share offers faster file sharing. Recently, AI selects it as simpler to copy and paste the message clipboards of messages. They are particularly useful when used on Galaxy Tab series phones and tablets.
Creative & Communication Tools
Portrait Studio also takes stunningly colorful pet portraits! This works well for both cats and dogs, resulting in professional-looking photos. Call Captions makes it possible to turn screenshots of language into readable and accessible text — right at the moment when someone is speaking.
Camera AI features receive substantial upgrades. Photo editing tools become more intuitive with Samsung’s One UI 8. Video recording capabilities also see improvements across Galaxy phones.
Key Features Summary
- Advanced multimodal AI interactions
- Improved Samsung DeX desktop experience
- Enhanced Quick Share functionality
- AI-powered photo and video tools
Which Older Galaxies Could Be Left Behind?
The Cutoff Reality
Samsung’s update policy typically supports devices for four years. Galaxy S20 series phones, released in 2020, approach this cutoff point. These older Galaxy phones may not receive Samsung’s One UI 8 support.
Note series devices face similar uncertainty. The Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra might represent the final Note models to receive major updates. Samsung discontinued the Note line in favor of Galaxy S Ultra models.
Mid-Range Casualties
Budget Galaxy A series models have shorter support cycles. Devices older than three years typically lose eligibility for major firmware updates. This affects popular models like the Galaxy A32 and A42.
Regional variations influence support duration. Some markets get longer support and others shorter cycles. Carrier ties also determine when updates are available to locked devices.
Hardware Limitations
One UI 8 at Samsung can use a lot of system resources. Older devices with less memory and storage can be challenged by new features. Samsung also retests the device’s capabilities to make sure they are eligible before announcing anything.
Android 16 demands more processing power than previous versions. Devices with older chipsets might not handle the performance requirements. This creates natural cutoff points for older Galaxy phones.
One UI 8 & Galaxy AI: What Changes for Foldables
Foldable-First Design Philosophy
Samsung’s One UI 8 is a completely new mobile experience designed for foldable technology. The software is also made context sensitive and instinctively adapts as the fold changes. The perfect canvas for these innovations is the Galaxy Z series.
Multi-screen AI intelligence changes the way users interact with flexible screens. Applications move seamlessly between open and closed positions. The system learns favorite modes for activities.
Enhanced DeX for Foldables
Samsung DeX becomes more powerful on foldable devices with Samsung’s One UI 8. Desktop widgets appear on the home screen for quick access. Productivity workflows improve significantly on Galaxy Z Fold models.
The larger internal displays work better with desktop-style interfaces. Multi-window functionality feels natural on foldable screens. Galaxy Tab series devices also benefit from these DeX improvements.
Fold-Specific Innovations
Taskbar enhancements speed up app switching on foldable Galaxy phones. Optimize with Flex mode for video watching and video calling. Cover display integration plays well with inward displays.
Security Upgrades in One UI 8 — What Matters Now
Android 16 Security Foundation
Samsung One UI 8 is based on Android 16 security model. Monthly security updates “smudge in” more and are a part of the system. Users can now get more granular control over their privacy.
Samsung Knox evolution adds layers of protection beyond standard Android security. Secure Folder receives improvements that make private data more protected. Biometric authentication becomes faster and more reliable.
Real-World Protection Benefits
Financial app security sees significant enhancements with Samsung’s One UI 8. Banking applications work more securely through improved Knox protection. Payment systems integrate better with Samsung’s security framework.
Location tracking controls give users more precise privacy management. App permissions become easier to understand and modify. These changes matter for daily smartphone usage.
How to Prepare Your Galaxy for One UI 8 Today
Storage and Backup Preparation
Samsung’s One UI 8 requires at least 5GB of free storage space. Clear unnecessary files and apps before attempting the update. Back up important photos, contacts, and app data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
Check your current storage usage in Settings > Device Care > Storage. Delete old downloads, clear app caches, and remove unused applications. This preparation prevents update failures.
Network and Power Requirements
A strong Wi-Fi network is very helpful for downloading and installing Samsung One UI 8 quickly without any lag. Do not update major firmware over the air. Before you proceed to install, make sure your battery is at least 80%.
Have your charging cable ready while installing. The update can take 30-60 minutes to install on some devices. Just be sure you don’t interrupt the installation midway.
Pre-Update Checklist
- Free up 5GB+ storage space
- Backup important data
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi
- Charge battery to 80%+
One UI 8 vs One UI 7 — Quick Feature Snapshot
| Feature | One UI 7 | Samsung's One UI 8 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Integration | Basic Galaxy AI | Advanced multimodal AI |
| DeX Experience | Standard desktop | Widgets + improved UI |
| Security | Knox 3.x | Enhanced Knox 4.x |
| Foldable Support | Good | Optimized context-aware |
| Battery Life | Standard optimization | AI-powered management |
Performance Improvements
Your daily tasks feel just that much faster with Samsung’s One UI 8. App launch times have been reduced on supported devices. Battery life enhancement A. I learns usage patterns to optimize.
Better memory management on the Android 16 base. Galaxy phones carry with them better resource management for a smoother experience. New and old supported devices benefit from these modifications.
Visual and Interface Changes
The aesthetic gets a few, but valuable tweaks in Samsung’s One UI 8. Icons have more of a modern look overall while also keeping Samsung’s unique flair. The interactions feel snappier with animation enhancements.
There is an enhanced color palette for more customization. Theming is also more supported on other Galaxy phones and Galaxy Tab series devices. Dark mode gets updates to make it easier on the eyes.
FAQs
Galaxy S25 series already has it, S24 series gets it in October 2025, and most other eligible devices receive updates by November 2025. Check your specific model's timeline in Samsung's official announcements.
The Galaxy S20 series and earlier devices probably won't see Samsung's One UI 8. Most Galaxy A series phones older than three years would also fall out of the cut because of hardware limitations.
No, you can't manually install it on an unsupported device from Samsung. Firmware update is distributed only to the eligible device through official Software Over-The-Air (SOTA).
Keep getting security patches for your current One UI version. If you want Samsung’s One UI 8 features, think about getting a new Galaxy phone.
The Samsung One UI 8 update needs a minimum of 5GB of free space. Disclaimer: We recommend you clear off any unused files and apps on your device before installing the new update to ensure a smoother installation process.
