Samsung Galaxy A26 receives One UI 8.0 update in Europe with Android 16

Samsung is continuing its rapid rollout of Android 16 with the release of One UI 8.0 for the Galaxy A26 in new territories.

After debuting last week in Vietnam, the update has now reached European users, signaling a broader expansion of Samsung’s latest software version.

The Galaxy A26, which launched in March 2025 with Android 15 and One UI 7.0, is receiving its very first major operating system upgrade. Samsung had promised that this affordable mid-range smartphone would be among its long-term support devices, with a remarkable six generations of OS updates guaranteed. That means buyers of the Galaxy A26 can expect updates all the way through Android 21, alongside security patches until at least 2031 – a commitment rarely matched in the budget phone segment.

The new update, sized at 2.3GB (2,357MB to be exact), arrives with firmware version A266BXXU4BYI2. Users in Europe can manually trigger the download by navigating to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The firmware not only introduces Samsung’s refreshed interface but also improves performance, brings tighter privacy controls, enhanced multitasking, and optimizations for battery life. For a device in the A-series, these improvements can noticeably extend its lifespan and usability.

Samsung is known for pushing boundaries with its update policy, and this move underscores its strategy to keep even budget smartphones current for years. One UI 8.0 introduces smoother animations, updated widgets, improved notification handling, and customization features that were previously reserved for higher-end models. For Galaxy A26 owners, this feels like a significant step up in daily usability.

Interestingly, Samsung is already preparing an even newer version – One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 – which has been spotted in development for the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. Leaks suggest this will further refine the design language and add additional features, continuing Samsung’s pattern of gradually bringing premium software enhancements down to its affordable devices after flagship launches.

For now, Galaxy A26 users in Europe are next in line to experience Android 16 and One UI 8.0, joining early adopters in Vietnam. With its promise of years of updates, the Galaxy A26 is shaping up to be one of the best-supported entry-level smartphones on the market, making it an attractive option for users who want long-term reliability without spending flagship-level prices.