Key Points to Consider

• Samsung is allegedly developing both One UI 8 and a subsequent One UI 8.5 update.
• One UI 8 might launch on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 in the summer of 2025.
• One UI 8.5 is anticipated to arrive with the Galaxy S26 series in 2026, bypassing standard minor updates such as 8.1.
• The forthcoming updates are likely to introduce features focused on foldable devices and revamped widgets.

Samsung’s Software Approach: Emphasizing Speed and Creativity

Samsung seems to be hastening its software development timeline to reclaim its competitive stature. Recent reports suggest that the tech powerhouse is not only gearing up for the release of One UI 8 based on Android 16 but is also strategizing a more sophisticated One UI 8.5 update. This indicates a notable transformation in Samsung’s software release philosophy, potentially bypassing gradual updates like One UI 8.1 or 8.1.1 in favor of more substantial mid-cycle launches.

This initiative arises amid intensified competition and a desire to align more closely with Google’s Android release timetable. With Android 16 expected to achieve platform stability by mid-2025 and a stable version likely in June, Samsung is reportedly targeting a release of One UI 8 soon after—potentially as early as July or August 2025.

Emphasis on Foldables and Multitasking Enhancements

One UI 8 is expected to introduce numerous enhancements specifically designed for Samsung’s foldable devices, including the forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7. These improvements are rumored to encompass:

• Enhanced multitasking capabilities for larger and flexible displays.
• Revamped widgets optimized for foldable screen usage.
• Boosted app continuity and split-screen features.

This emphasis on foldables highlights Samsung’s dedication to steering the foldable smartphone sector, where software is vital for providing a seamless user experience.

One UI 8.5: Reintroducing Major Mid-Cycle Updates

More intriguingly, One UI 8.5 is anticipated to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. This would be the first significant “.5” update since One UI 2.5 (released in 2020). Sources indicate that One UI 8.5 has already been noted in Samsung’s internal system files, signifying ongoing development.

By bypassing minor updates like One UI 8.1, Samsung might aim to present more substantial software enhancements in fewer, yet more impactful, releases. This could also mitigate fragmentation and streamline the update process across its extensive range of devices.

Samsung’s Turbulent One UI Journey

Samsung’s software evolution has not always been trouble-free. One UI 7, based on Android 15, encountered delays and limited feature availability, resulting in user dissatisfaction. The decision to potentially skip One UI 7.1 and move directly to One UI 8 suggests an intention to revamp its software trajectory.

Earlier this year, speculation about One UI 8 surfaced when a Galaxy S25 device running Android 16 was spotted on Geekbench, indicating that internal testing was already in progress. This coincides with Google’s own Android 16 beta timeline, which reached Beta 4 in April 2025 and is on schedule for a stable release in Q2 2025.

Future Prospects: A New Chapter for Samsung Software?

Samsung’s accelerated strategy for One UI 8 and the rollout of One UI 8.5 could herald a fresh chapter of software agility for the firm. By aligning more closely with Android’s release schedules and concentrating on impactful features, Samsung aims to enhance its software offerings significantly.