Samsung Reveals One UI 8 Roadmap for Galaxy Devices

Samsung has taken the wraps off its long-awaited One UI 8 roadmap, giving Galaxy device owners a clear picture of when they can expect to upgrade to the latest version of the company’s Android skin, built on top of Android 16. After months of speculation and beta testing, the update is finally beginning its rollout, and Samsung has mapped out an aggressive schedule covering nearly its entire ecosystem of smartphones and tablets throughout 2025.

The first devices to taste One UI 8 are the Galaxy S25 family, which launched earlier this year. The update began rolling out in South Korea with firmware version S93xNKSU5BYI3, weighing in at just over 555 MB for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Initially, only beta testers have access, but Samsung is expected to expand availability to all S25 users running One UI 7 within days. A wider global rollout is already penciled in, starting mid-September.

Samsung’s strategy reflects how important software longevity has become in the mobile market. Once criticized for lagging behind in updates, the company is now leading the charge with a policy that ensures even mid-range and budget devices remain relevant longer. One UI 8 is more than just a coat of paint: it introduces a redesigned quick settings panel, smoother animations, deeper AI integration for personalized features, advanced multitasking tools tailored for foldables, and improved privacy protections that give users greater control over their data.

September: Exclusively for the S25 Lineup

The first phase of the rollout is limited to Samsung’s latest flagships. Owners of the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra will be the first in line. While this staggered release may frustrate some, it allows Samsung to monitor performance and iron out any lingering bugs before pushing the software to millions of additional devices worldwide. By the 18th of September, Samsung expects the update to reach global markets.

Galaxy S25/S25+/S25 Ultra, S25 Edge

October: A Flood of Updates

October will mark the busiest month in the roadmap. Almost every major Samsung device family from the past three years is included. The Galaxy S24, S23, and S22 series are scheduled, along with special editions like the S24 FE and S23 FE. Samsung is also updating its foldable flagships – the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and the Fold Special Edition – ensuring foldable users benefit from the multitasking enhancements that are a centerpiece of One UI 8.

The list continues with several tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra, along with their FE and Lite versions. The Galaxy A36, A35, A34, and A25 are also on the docket, alongside popular mid-rangers such as the A53. Rugged models like the Galaxy Tab Active5 and XCover7 Pro are included too. The sheer variety of devices shows Samsung’s intent to unify its ecosystem on Android 16 as quickly as possible.

• Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra, S24 FE
• Quantum6
• Galaxy S23/S23+/S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Quantum5
• Galaxy Tab S10+/S10 Ultra, Tab S10 FE/S10 FE+, Tab S10 Lite
• Galaxy A36
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
• Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
• Quantum4
• Galaxy S22/S22+/S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab Active5
• Jump4
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE/S9 FE+
• Galaxy XCover7 Pro
• Galaxy A53
• Quantum3
• Buddy4
• Galaxy A34
• Galaxy A25
• Wide8

November: Foldables and A-Series Take the Stage

For fans of foldables released in 2022 and 2023, the wait extends into November. This includes the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and their predecessors, the Fold 4 and Flip 4. Samsung is also using November to update its strong-selling Galaxy A series, such as the Galaxy A15 and A16, alongside the A24 and A33. Tablets like the Tab S8 series and the Tab A11 will also see the update during this wave. This phase highlights Samsung’s effort to keep older flagships and affordable devices just as fresh as its newest flagships.

• Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
• Jump3
• Galaxy Tab S8/S8+/S8 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4
• Galaxy A15
• Buddy3
• Galaxy A16
• Galaxy A24
• Galaxy A33
• Wide7
• Jump2
• Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro
• Galaxy Tab A9/A9+
• Galaxy Tab A11

Notable Omissions and Global Adjustments

Curiously, the roadmap does not mention certain popular models like the Galaxy S21 FE. Analysts believe this is due to regional scheduling rather than permanent exclusion, with updates expected once the global roadmap is finalized. Samsung often tweaks its release calendar depending on testing results in Korea and other early launch markets. For users, this means patience may be required, but history suggests omitted devices rarely get left behind entirely.

Why One UI 8 Matters

One UI 8 isn’t just about cosmetic refinements. The overhaul includes an AI-assisted keyboard that predicts context-sensitive replies, enhanced DeX features for desktop-like multitasking, and smarter integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, from tablets to wearables. Privacy has also been strengthened, with granular permission options and live indicators showing when apps access the camera, microphone, or location. Foldable owners, in particular, will notice better continuity between cover and main displays, as well as new split-screen controls.

For Galaxy owners, the only real drawback is timing. Unless you own a Galaxy S25, you’ll likely be waiting until October or later for your turn. But the bigger picture is encouraging: by the end of 2025, virtually all active Galaxy devices from the premium S series to budget A phones will be running the latest Android 16 with One UI 8. This level of support across price tiers underscores Samsung’s commitment to long-term updates, something that once set Apple apart but is now a serious selling point for Galaxy devices.

Looking Ahead

Owners of older flagships such as the Galaxy S22 series or Galaxy Tab S8 have good reason to be optimistic. Not only will they receive fresh features, but also critical security improvements and optimizations that extend device longevity. With One UI 8, Samsung is solidifying its role as one of the most reliable Android manufacturers when it comes to updates – a fact that will likely influence purchasing decisions for years to come.

In short, while the rollout will take months and the wait may feel long for some, the payoff is substantial. By the time the roadmap concludes, Samsung will have completed one of the most comprehensive software upgrade campaigns in the industry, ensuring millions of Galaxy users step into 2025 with devices that feel faster, smarter, and more secure than ever.