One UI 8 Beta Expands to More Galaxy Devices

Samsung is expanding its One UI 8 beta program to include more devices like the Galaxy S24 and Z series, with a broader rollout planned for September.

Samsung Electronics announced an expansion of its One UI 8 beta program to a wider range of Galaxy devices. This initiative lays the groundwork for enhanced multimodal capabilities and more intuitive Galaxy AI features that aim to streamline daily tasks. The initial beta program was launched with the Galaxy S25 series back in May. The program now extends its reach to the Galaxy S24 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Registration for the beta will be available to users in specific markets starting next week, including Korea, the U.S., the U.K., and India. The program’s availability will further extend in September to include additional devices such as the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5. Mid-range phones will also be supported, with the Galaxy A36 5G, A55 5G, A35 5G, and A54 joining the program. Users interested in participating can sign up through the Samsung Members application.

Key AI and Multimodal Features

One UI 8 is designed to provide smarter and more convenient AI experiences through its multimodal capabilities. The system can interpret a user’s real-time context to support more natural interactions. One notable feature is the integration with Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro, which allows users to activate Google’s Gemini with voice commands or a long press on an earbud. This update is tailored to complement the diverse form factors of Galaxy devices, enhancing productivity and providing personalized, proactive suggestions.

The software is also expected to improve efficiency across the Samsung ecosystem. The features are aimed at creating a more cohesive and responsive user experience. This update builds on Samsung’s recent focus on integrating AI into its core operating system. The beta program will allow the company to gather user feedback before a wider release.

Official Rollout Timeline

The official version of One UI 8 is scheduled for a September release. The final version will incorporate feedback collected from participants in the beta program. The rollout will start with the Galaxy S25 series and will gradually expand to other eligible devices. This phased approach is a standard practice for large-scale software updates.

Samsung also mentioned that the One UI 8 Watch update will be made available for more Galaxy Watch models beyond the Galaxy Watch8 series later this year. This update will bring health-related features and an enhanced, more intuitive smartwatch interface to a broader audience. The company’s strategy involves extending its latest software and features to as many users as possible.

Additional Context on Samsung’s UI and AI Strategy

Samsung’s One UI is built on Google’s Android platform, and the company has been consistently working to integrate its own features to differentiate its user experience. With the push towards on-device AI, Samsung is leveraging partnerships with companies like Google to enhance its offerings. This collaborative approach allows Samsung to integrate advanced AI models like Google’s Gemini directly into its ecosystem, providing a seamless experience. Historically, Samsung has also released “Lite” versions of its software for mid-range and budget devices, which suggests that not all features of One UI 8 will be available on every device. This is a common practice to ensure smooth performance across a wide range of hardware.