Google took the road with Android 16 much earlier than usual and the release of the green robot’s next big update should happen earlier than usual. One time that Android 16 is already in tests, it’s natural to see Android OEMs following the suite. After all, they need to be ready once the update becomes a reality. That said, Samsung is starting its race with Android 16-based One UI 8.0 beta testing. The company’s first testing build of Android 16 and One UI 8.0 has been spotted today and the device chosen has been the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
One UI 8.0 based on Android 16 is Being Tested Internally
It’s rather intriguing to see a development in the Android 16 update. After all, Samsung’s One UI 7 based on Android 15 still isn’t out yet for all Galaxy smartphones. The update has been slower than previous versions, perhaps due to the growing list of Samsung smartphones getting more than two Android updates. However, it seems that while One UI 7 is on the finishing touches for a wide release, Samsung is already ready to move on to One UI 8.0, so the waiting will start again for supported smartphones.
Google aims to release Android 16 in June, which is earlier than the usual release window between August and October. Considering this, it’s natural to see Samsung starting work earlier. The company does not want to take several months to bring the update to its devices, especially when Google will bring the update earlier.
The fact that One UI 8.0 is already on internal tests is a good sign. Perhaps, the next big update will come much earlier than One UI 7.0. Naturally, we expect flagships to get it first whenever it comes. Considering the earlier release, mid-range Galaxy smartphones can even dream of Android 16 before the end of 2025. Of course, this is still an assumption on our part.
We expect an official announcement of One UI 8.0 development later this year. For now, Samsung probably won’t talk about the next update before the One UI 7.0 update lands on all covered devices.
