One UI 8 development is already underway at Samsung, according to recent reports of early builds spotted on an internal test server. While this doesn’t guarantee an imminent release, it suggests development has commenced at least two months ahead of schedule. This news follows speculation that Samsung might bypass One UI 7.5 entirely, jumping directly to One UI 8, possibly due to the delays encountered with the current One UI 7 rollout.
One UI 7, currently in beta testing, has been gradually reaching select devices since December. Samsung has confirmed an April target for the stable release and is expanding the beta program to include more devices, including its foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, finally bringing them up to speed with Android 15.
This latest version boasts features like the innovative Now Bar, Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Dynamic Island, along with practical additions such as enhanced parental controls and content restrictions.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Galaxy AI screen.
The delays surrounding One UI 7 haven’t gone unnoticed. Many users have voiced concerns, comparing the situation to budget Android devices that have already transitioned to Android 15. Some speculate that Samsung has fallen behind in recent years, contributing to the delays in One UI 7 as they strive to catch up.
By proactively starting One UI 8 development, Samsung aims to address potential bugs and prepare the software for a timely launch, possibly alongside the anticipated Galaxy S26. Despite the setbacks, Samsung assures users that One UI 7 is on track. Early adopters of the beta version have praised its smooth animations, fluid performance, and integrated AI capabilities, although certain features might be excluded from older devices due to hardware limitations.
By starting One UI 8’s development now, Samsung is potentially giving itself the necessary lead time to refine the software and ensure a smoother release alongside the anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26. This proactive approach could alleviate some of the concerns surrounding the One UI 7 rollout and demonstrate a renewed commitment to timely software updates.
In conclusion, while One UI 7 continues its rollout, the early commencement of One UI 8 development signals Samsung’s commitment to innovation and improving its software update cycle. This proactive approach may help to address previous concerns about delays and deliver a more polished user experience in the future.
