Samsung One UI 8.0 – details about update

Samsung is finalizing work on One UI 8, its next major software update for smartphones. The update is based on Android 16 and includes a number of key changes to the interface, functionality, and system architecture.

New DeX based on Android 16

Samsung has redesigned DeX mode, transferring it to the Desktop Mode feature built into Android 16. This means that now the phone can be connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for full-fledged windowed operation like on a PC. This solution will simplify support and the number of compatible applications will increase, since the feature has become part of Android, and not exclusive to Samsung devices.

Updated Quick Share

The quick file sharing feature has a new full-screen interface with the Send and Receive tabs. File transfers can now be started not only from the gallery, but also directly from the quick settings panel. A carousel of recommended devices and the ability to share without logging into a Samsung account have appeared.

Multitasking

Split-screen mode has become more customizable. Now you can display one application on 90% of the screen, leaving the second in a narrow strip. If necessary, the second window can be temporarily hidden and returned with one tap. This is especially convenient in cases where one of the applications requires a keyboard or takes up a lot of space.

Android Private Space Secure Folder

The Secure Folder feature now works on the basis of Android Private Space, a mechanism introduced in Android 15. Thanks to deep integration with the encryption system, it has become more reliable, and support for updates has become easier and faster.

Now Bar with Live Updates

The branded Now Bar panel, which appeared in One UI 7 as an analogue of Dynamic Island on the iPhone, now supports the Android 16 Live Updates standard. This allows, for example, to display the progress of a delivery or trip in real time. Application developers do not need to make any changes – they just use standard Android APIs. Now Bar automatically updates contextual cards: reminders, order statuses, events, etc.

Samsung expands the One UI 8.0 shell testing program Next week, owners of 13 more smartphone models will be able to install the update:

• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A36
• Galaxy A54
• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23 Plus
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24 Plus
• Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 6

In the first phase, the beta firmware will be available to users from four countries: India, South Korea, the UK and the US. Until now, the public beta version of One UI 8.0 was only available for the flagship Galaxy S25 line.