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Samsung opens One UI 8 beta to more Galaxy devices
After a slower-than-expected rollout, Samsung has widened its One UI 8 beta program powered by Android 16. The expanded testing phase arrives ahead of a planned stable release in September, bringing the latest firmware and UX refinements to a select group of 2024 Galaxy smartphones and foldables.
Which Galaxy models are included?
Today’s beta expansion covers a set of flagship and foldable models from Samsung’s 2024 lineup. Devices added to the program include:
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
Availability and rollout timeline
The new One UI 8 beta with Android 16 is already visible in regions such as the UK and South Korea, with confirmations that the United States and India will receive access as the program expands. Samsung plans to issue additional beta builds for the Galaxy S25 series soon; those devices are expected to be first in line for the stable Android 16 update next month. A leaked timeline also suggests Galaxy S23 owners may see beta access in early September.
Key features and improvements
Android 16 under the hood
One UI 8 builds on Android 16 improvements with performance optimizations, memory management enhancements, and updated privacy controls. Expect faster app launches and smoother multitasking—important for productivity-focused users and power users running multiple apps or using foldable multitasking configurations.
User experience refinements
Samsung’s One UI 8 focuses on polish: redesigned system animations, refined notification handling, and new customization options for themes and lock screens. Foldable-specific refinements improve continuity between inner and outer displays and enhance multitasking gestures on the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.
Comparisons and advantages
Compared to previous One UI versions and Android 15, One UI 8 emphasizes stability and power efficiency while introducing incremental UX upgrades. For businesses and creators, improved windowing on foldables and better resource management give a tangible advantage in real-world productivity scenarios.
Use cases and market relevance
For early adopters, developers, and enterprise IT teams, joining the beta provides early access to Android 16 features and time to validate apps and workflows. For the broader market, Samsung’s staggered rollout strategy helps ensure a stable, optimized release when One UI 8 reaches the stable channel in September.
How to join the beta
Users can check Samsung’s Members app or device Settings > Software update to enroll in the One UI 8 beta where available. Keep in mind beta software can have bugs; back up important data and expect incremental updates during the testing period.
Overall, this expanded beta rollout shows Samsung accelerating its Android 16 deployment across flagships and foldables—an important step toward delivering new features, better performance, and wider compatibility across the Galaxy ecosystem.
Source: 9to5google
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