Samsung expands One UI 8 beta to more Galaxy phones ahead of stable Android 16 rollout

Samsung

Samsung is broadening the One UI 8 beta programme with Android 16 as the stable rollout nears. Several new Galaxy devices have now gained access to the beta or received updated builds.

The One UI 8 beta initially launched with the Galaxy S25 series and extended to additional devices last month. While Samsung has confirmed that stable updates for some models will begin this month, beta updates are set to continue for a while longer.

List of devices getting the beta update

New devices now included in the One UI 8 beta are: Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy A36, Galaxy A35, Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A54

These updates are currently rolling out in regions including India and South Korea, with wider availability expected shortly.

The expansion indicates that remaining beta devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, may join the programme soon. It also suggests that the first stable updates for many devices are imminent.

Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta features:

1. Refreshed Design: One UI 8 introduces a cleaner, more modern interface with subtle animations, updated icons, and improved consistency across Samsung apps.

2. Improved Personalisation: Enhanced themes, wallpaper options, and flexible widgets allow users to customise their home screens more effectively.

3. Dynamic Lock Screen & Always-On Display: More dynamic, interactive lock screen widgets, better AOD customisation, and support for richer visuals.

4. Smarter Notifications: Redesigned notification shade, grouped alerts, and more actionable notifications for quicker interactions.

5. Enhanced Multitasking: Split-screen and pop-up window functionality have been refined for smoother app switching, especially on larger screens.

6. Privacy and Security Upgrades: Android 16 brings stricter privacy controls; One UI 8 adds easier access to permissions management and security updates.

7. Camera and Media Enhancements: Improved camera UI, more advanced AI photo suggestions, and smoother video editing features in the native Gallery app.

8. Battery Optimisation: Smarter power management, better adaptive battery usage, and more insights into app consumption.

9. Accessibility Improvements: Expanded accessibility features, including voice control enhancements and better support for visually impaired users.

10. Expanded Device Support: One UI 8 is optimised across foldables, tablets, and standard Galaxy phones, ensuring consistent experience across devices.