Samsung has launched the public beta program for One UI 8; its next major software update built on Android 16. Right now, Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra users in select countries can sign up to test the new features ahead of the full release later this year. The beta is currently available in South Korea, Germany, and the United States, with more regions, including India, expected to be added soon.
Key Takeaways
- What’s happening: Samsung has opened the first public beta of One UI 8 for testing.
- Which phones are eligible: The Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra are currently supported.
- Operating system base: One UI 8 is based on Android 16.
- How to join: Users in supported countries can sign up through the Samsung Members app.
- What’s new: Enhanced Galaxy AI, redesigned notification and Quick Settings panels, new lock screen widgets, and improved battery performance.
The update introduces a number of visual and functional changes across the board. One of the headline features is the next generation of Galaxy AI, which now offers more contextual suggestions within apps and runs a faster, more private language model directly on the device. It might not be groundbreaking for everyone, but it’s clearly a step in the direction of smarter, less intrusive AI.
Another thing users will likely notice right away is the revamped Quick Settings and notification shade. The layout has been refined for easier one-handed use, with larger toggles for common features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Notifications are grouped a bit more intelligently, helping to keep things cleaner and easier to scan.
On the lock screen, there are new customization options too. You can now choose different widget types and adjust the clock’s style and placement with more flexibility. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement, but one that adds a personal touch.
Samsung also says it’s made several under-the-hood improvements aimed at boosting battery life and system performance. The way background apps are managed has been tweaked, which could be a welcome change for anyone who frequently juggles multiple apps or games.
That said, this is still a beta version. It’s not as stable as the final release will be, so bugs and performance hiccups are expected. If you’re planning to install it on your main phone, make sure to back up all your data beforehand.
To enroll, eligible Galaxy S23 users can open the Samsung Members app and look for the banner promoting the One UI 8 beta. After registering, the update should appear in the software update section of your device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is One UI 8?
A. One UI 8 is the next version of Samsung’s custom user interface for its Galaxy devices. It is based on the Android 16 operating system and introduces new features and design changes.
Q. Is the One UI 8 beta stable for daily use?
A. Beta software is intended for testing and may have bugs or cause some apps to not work correctly. It is generally not recommended for installation on a primary phone unless you are comfortable with potential instability.
Q. When will the stable One UI 8 update be released for Galaxy S23?
A. Samsung has not announced an official release date. Based on previous years, the stable version is typically released a few months after the beta program starts, likely towards the end of 2025.
Q. Will other Samsung phones get the One UI 8 beta?
A. Yes, Samsung usually expands its beta programs to include other recent flagship models, such as the Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip, and Galaxy S24 series, in the weeks following the initial launch.
