The anticipation for new smartphone features and performance boosts culminates in major operating system updates. Samsung Galaxy users are now buzzing with the official news: the Android 16-based One UI 8 update has commenced its stable rollout. This essential upgrade promises a suite of enhancements, performance refinements, and innovative features designed to elevate your Samsung Galaxy experience. While the bleeding-edge Galaxy S25 series is already receiving this pivotal software, a comprehensive rollout schedule confirms that a vast array of older Galaxy smartphones and tablets will follow suit, primarily in October and November 2025. This guide provides the complete update schedule, highlighting new features and key device information to keep you informed.
Unpacking the Android 16 (One UI 8) Rollout: What’s Happening Now
Samsung has officially kicked off the stable distribution of its Android 16-based One UI 8. This significant software leap began on September 15, 2025, specifically targeting the flagship Galaxy S25 series. Early adopters in key markets like Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom are among the first to experience One UI 8’s advanced capabilities. This initial rollout marks the successful culmination of an extensive beta program, which began on May 28 with the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, before expanding to other premium devices like the Galaxy S24 series and the latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.
Following this concentrated release for the S25 lineup, Samsung has confirmed that a broader wave of updates for its extensive portfolio of older Galaxy devices is on the horizon. The majority of these highly anticipated upgrades are slated for October 2025, with an additional set of devices receiving their updates in November 2025. This structured approach aims to ensure a smooth transition across Samsung’s diverse ecosystem, bringing Android 16’s innovations to millions of users worldwide. The speed of this rollout, especially for a range of devices, signals Samsung’s commitment to timely software delivery, a critical factor for user satisfaction and device longevity.
October 2025: The Primary Update Wave
October 2025 is set to be a bustling month for Samsung Galaxy users, as the largest segment of devices receives the Android 16-based One UI 8 update. This extensive list spans multiple generations of flagship smartphones, cutting-edge foldables, and a wide selection of tablets and mid-range devices.
Galaxy S Series:
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra (Note: This will be their final major Android OS update)
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables):
Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
Galaxy Tab Series (Tablets):
Galaxy Tab S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 FE, S10 FE+, S10 Lite
Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE, S9 FE+
Galaxy Tab Active 5
Galaxy A, Quantum, Buddy, Jump, Wide, and XCover Series:
Galaxy A36, A35, A34, A25, A56, A53 (Note: A53 and A33 will receive One UI 8 as their final major Android OS update)
Galaxy Quantum 6, Quantum 5, Quantum 4, Quantum 3
Galaxy Buddy 4, Galaxy Jump 4
Galaxy Wide 8
Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
The inclusion of the Galaxy S22 series and specific mid-range A-series devices as recipients of their final major OS update with One UI 8 provides important clarity for long-term device planning. While these devices will continue to receive security patches for a period, users should be aware that future Android version increments will not be available.
November 2025: Expanding the Reach
Following the intensive October rollout, November 2025 will see additional Samsung Galaxy devices receive their Android 16-based One UI 8 upgrade. This phase includes more foldable models, extending the advanced software to previous generations, as well as a range of tablets and other popular A-series smartphones.
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables):
Galaxy Z Fold 5 (Note: Interestingly, updating after the S22 series)
Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Note: Updating after the S22 series)
Galaxy Z Fold 4
Galaxy Z Flip 4
Galaxy Tab Series (Tablets):
Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra
Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro
Galaxy Tab A9, Tab A9+
Galaxy Tab A11
Galaxy A, Wide, Buddy, and Jump Series:
Galaxy A16, A15, A24, A33 (Note: A33 will receive One UI 8 as its final major Android OS update)
Galaxy Wide 7
Galaxy Buddy 3
Galaxy Jump 3, Jump 2
It’s worth noting the somewhat unusual scheduling where the 2023 Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 are slated to receive their Android 16 updates a month after the older 2022 Galaxy S22 series. Despite this minor anomaly, the overall pace of the One UI 8 rollout is considered relatively swift, demonstrating Samsung’s improved efficiency in delivering major software updates across its vast device ecosystem.
Key Innovations: What One UI 8 Brings to Your Galaxy Device
The Android 16-based One UI 8 update is not merely a version number increment; it’s packed with functional and aesthetic enhancements designed to improve user experience, productivity, and device customization. Drawing insights from the beta program and official announcements, here are some of the standout features to anticipate:
Enhanced Multitasking and Productivity Tools
One UI 8 introduces several advancements aimed at boosting productivity. The new 90:10 Multitasking Split allows users to allocate 90% of the screen to one primary application while keeping a secondary app readily accessible in a smaller window. This flexible arrangement is ideal for intensive tasks or quickly referencing information without fully switching contexts. Furthermore, Enhanced DeX Mode now supports WQHD resolutions for widescreen displays and introduces display rotation, leveraging Android 16’s foundational desktop mode capabilities. For file management, the My Files app gains the ability to filter downloaded content by the originating application, simplifying organization.
Smarter Widgets and Dynamic Visuals
Customization and glanceable information get a boost with One UI 8. Home screen widgets can now be expanded to a more spacious 4×4 size, offering greater data density and visual impact. A new suite of Dynamic Wallpapers introduces color-shifting backgrounds that subtly change based on the time of day, complete with engaging gradient animations upon device unlock. The Samsung Weather app also receives a significant redesign, featuring full-screen animated scenes that vividly reflect real-time weather conditions, making forecasts more immersive.
Expanded AI and Convenience Features
Samsung continues to integrate artificial intelligence and thoughtful conveniences into its user experience. The Now Bar feature will extend its reach to the cover screen of flip foldables, integrating phone call and Do Not Disturb functionalities directly on the lock screen for quick access. A new Listen Brief audio summary provides daily updates on weather, calendar events, and news, offering users a choice between Samsung and Google text-to-speech engines. For photography enthusiasts, HDR Screenshots, an Android 16 native feature, ensures that screenshots of high-dynamic-range content are saved with gain maps for optimal viewing.
Security, Privacy, and Ecosystem Integration
Privacy and security remain paramount. One UI 8 enhances the Secure Folder with significant improvements, allowing it to be completely hidden, preventing notifications from hidden apps, and requiring re-enrollment for biometric access. Within the Samsung Gallery app, a new “Private” album option provides a secure space for hiding sensitive photos and videos. For users of Galaxy earbuds, the update introduces quick access controls directly from the lock screen media player, allowing adjustments for volume, ANC, and EQ, fostering deeper integration within the Samsung ecosystem. The Auracast Redesign simplifies sharing audio, with a new banner, prominent “Start broadcast” button, and QR code sharing.
Devices Not Receiving One UI 8
While the list of eligible devices is extensive, it’s equally important for users to know which older models will conclude their major OS update cycle with One UI 7 (Android 15) and will not receive Android 16-based One UI 8. These devices will typically continue to receive security patches for a limited period, but no further Android version upgrades.
Key Devices Excluded from One UI 8:
Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables): Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A Series (Budget/Mid-range): Galaxy A14, Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A05s
- 9to5google.com
- www.nextpit.com
- 9to5google.com
- 9to5google.com
- www.androidauthority.com
This information is crucial for users considering future device upgrades, as it clarifies the long-term software support for their current devices. Samsung generally offers five to six years of software support for newer flagship and premium devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 which is eligible for an impressive seven years of Android OS updates and security patches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect the Android 16 (One UI 8) update for my Samsung Galaxy device?
The stable Android 16 (One UI 8) rollout began on September 15, 2025, for the Galaxy S25 series in select regions. The broader update for most eligible older Galaxy smartphones and tablets is scheduled to commence in October 2025, with a second wave of devices set to receive their updates in November 2025. You can check your device’s specific eligibility and approximate update month within the article’s detailed lists.
Which Samsung Galaxy devices will NOT receive the One UI 8 update?
Several older Galaxy models will not be upgraded to Android 16-based One UI 8. This includes the entire Galaxy S21 series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra), the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 foldables, and certain budget A-series phones such as the Galaxy A14, A14 5G, and A05s. These devices concluded their major Android OS update cycle with One UI 7 (Android 15) but will continue to receive security patches for a limited time.
What new features will the One UI 8 update bring to my Galaxy device?
One UI 8 introduces a range of enhancements, including a 90:10 Multitasking Split, Enhanced DeX Mode with WQHD support, and improved file filtering in My Files. You can expect more customizable 4×4 home screen widgets, dynamic wallpapers, and a redesigned Samsung Weather app. New convenience features include an expanded Now Bar for foldables, a “Listen Brief” audio summary, and HDR Screenshots. Security is boosted with an enhanced Secure Folder and a private album in the Gallery.
Conclusion: A Significant Step for Galaxy Users
The Android 16-based One UI 8 update represents a significant stride in Samsung’s commitment to providing a feature-rich, secure, and user-friendly experience across its vast Galaxy ecosystem. With the stable rollout already underway for the Galaxy S25 series and a comprehensive schedule detailed for hundreds of other devices in October and November 2025, a vast number of users are poised to benefit from these advancements. Whether it’s through enhanced multitasking, smarter customization, or improved privacy features, One UI 8 is designed to refresh your device and streamline your digital life. Keep an eye on your device’s notification panel in the coming weeks and months for your chance to download and experience the latest from Samsung.
