Android 16: Samsung distributes finished One UI 8 update for Galaxy S25 series
Samsung has released One UI 8 based on Android 16 for the Galaxy S25 series. The manufacturer has also named other models that will receive the update.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 family gets Android 16.
(Image: Steffen Herget / heise medien)
After a long beta phase since the end of May and the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with One UI 8 at the beginning of July, Samsung is now also delivering the new software version for the Galaxy S25 series. Google's Pixel devices already received Android 16 at the beginning of June.
Android 16 for Galaxy S25 and others
According to Samsung, the new One UI version includes "multimodal intelligence to understand context in real time and make everyday interactions smarter and more convenient". Samsung also promises that the functions introduced with One UI 7, such as Now Bar and Now Brief, will display "more personalized insights and suggestions". Among other things, users can expect the live update function announced by Google.
On the security side, Samsung is talking about features such as Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) and Knox Matrix. KEEP is described as a new security architecture that creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments for AI applications within the device, ensuring that each app can only access its own sensitive data. Knox Matrix is designed to log devices out of the Samsung account if they are flagged as "seriously compromised". The function also sends notifications to all connected Galaxy devices and provides additional information on data protection, the manufacturer explains. One UI 8 also includes stronger encryption for Wi-Fi networks.
One UI 8 will also be better optimized for different form factors such as foldables and tablets. In addition, applications and AI functions such as the AI results view will be displayed in a split window or floating view so that the original content remains visible and unobstructed, according to Samsung. In addition, the "Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens" feature allows AI-generated content to be dragged and dropped directly into the workflow via a multi-window view. Tools such as the drawing and writing assistant should also enable a "smoother creative process".
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According to Samsung, other features include "Portrait Studio" which allows users to "capture vivid expressions of their pets and then create artistic, studio-like pet portraits". With "Call Captions", voices can be instantly converted to text during a call and with a translation function, users can "turn their ideas into text by typing". Samsung points out in the footnotes that not all functions are provided for all Galaxy devices that receive One UI 8. Some features are reserved for the top models or foldables. In addition, availability also depends on the country, region or network operator.
Candidates for One UI 8
According to Samsung, the release for the Galaxy S25 series will be followed by updates for the Galaxy S24 series, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy S24 FE and other devices later this year. These devices are included according to the manufacturer:
- Galaxy S25 series
- Galaxy S24 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S23 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S22 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy Tab S10 series
- Galaxy Tab S10 FE
- Galaxy Tab S10 Lite
- Galaxy Tab S9 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Galaxy Tab S8 series
- Galaxy A56 5G
- Galaxy A36 5G
- Galaxy A26 5G
- Galaxy A17 5G
- Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy A16
- Galaxy A15 5G
- Galaxy A06
- Galaxy A54 5G
- Galaxy A34 5G
- Galaxy A73 5G
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A33 5G
Samsung has not shared a specific timetable for the distribution. If you look at the rather late One UI 7 update, which was delivered to all compatible devices within a few months, One UI 8 is likely to be quite fast again.
(afl)
