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Stable One UI 8 reaches the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
Samsung has started rolling out the stable Android 16-based One UI 8.0 update to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, bringing the foldable model into parity with recent Galaxy S25 features. The update arrives in South Korea first under firmware version F958NKSU2CYI7 and includes the AI-driven Now Brief experience that Samsung first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series.
What Now Brief brings to the foldable experience
Now Brief is an adaptive, time-aware information panel designed to surface the most relevant content throughout your day. Instead of opening multiple apps, users see a concise mix of contextual items such as weather forecasts, calendar events and reminders, suggested videos and music playlists, and even an Energy Score when relevant. Later in the day the feature can highlight memories captured that day and propose news stories from Samsung News tailored to user interests. On a large foldable display like the Z Fold SE, Now Brief aims to make glanceable intelligence more useful without disrupting multitasking workflows.
Rollout and installation
South Korean owners of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition should see the update as firmware F958NKSU2CYI7. To check manually, navigate to Settings » Software update » Download and install. After the package finishes downloading, tap Install now; the device will restart once the installation completes. Samsung previously pushed One UI 8.0 to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 earlier the same day, and those models are likely to receive the same stable release in additional regions over the coming days.
Why this update matters
One UI 8 is Samsung's layer over Android 16 and focuses on tighter AI integration, refined usability for large displays, and new software conveniences. For the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, receiving the stable update means better app compatibility and access to Samsung's latest intelligent features without waiting for beta cycles. For consumers deciding between foldables, timely software updates can be a differentiator: devices that receive major OS and feature updates quickly retain value and deliver a longer, more polished user experience.
Compared with standard Galaxy S models, foldables benefit from software that understands multi-window use and the extra screen real estate. Now Brief is a practical example: on the Z Fold SE it surfaces actionable cards and media recommendations without forcing a full-screen interruption, making it handy for quick checks during busy days.
Regional availability and expectations
Samsung typically stages major firmware updates by region. After the Korean rollout, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition may receive the One UI 8.0 update in China in the coming days, followed by further expansion to global markets. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, which received the same stable build earlier, are also expected to see broader availability shortly. If you depend on carrier testing or region-specific builds, allow a few days for the update to appear through your carrier or local firmware channel.
Key takeaways:
- One UI 8.0 (Android 16-based) is now available for Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in South Korea (firmware F958NKSU2CYI7).
- The update includes the AI-powered Now Brief feature that debuted on Galaxy S25 models.
- Check for the update via Settings » Software update » Download and install; installation requires a restart.
- Rollout is expected to expand to China and additional global regions over the next few days.
For readers who prioritize long-term software support and new AI features, this update underscores Samsung's push to bring its latest smart experiences across its foldable lineup. Keep an eye on official Samsung channels or your device's Software update screen to know exactly when the stable build arrives for your region.
Source: sammobile
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