A comprehensive guide to Samsung’s One UI 8: what’s new, which devices get the update, security improvements, multitasking changes, and practical advice for upgrading safely.
Introduction: What Is One UI 8?
Samsung’s One UI is the company’s custom interface for Galaxy phones, tablets, and foldables. One UI 8 continues Samsung’s evolution of the platform — bringing tighter integration with Android, richer multitasking, strengthened security, and smarter contextual features powered by multimodal AI.
Launch & Rollout Status
One UI 8 began rolling out to flagship and selected Galaxy devices in 2025. Samsung followed a staged rollout approach, gradually expanding the update to more Galaxy models and regions. If you don’t see the update immediately on your device, it may still be en route for your region.
Supported Devices & Eligibility
Samsung typically prioritizes its latest flagships (Galaxy S and Fold/Flip series), then expands to previous flagship generations, tablets, and select A‑series or FE models. Always check your phone’s Settings → Software update to confirm availability.
Key One UI 8 Features & Improvements
One UI 8 introduces many refinements and a handful of headline features. Below are the most notable changes and how they affect day‑to‑day use.
Multimodal AI & Contextual Smarts
One UI 8 embeds AI-driven suggestions and contextual features more deeply into the OS. These features can combine visual, voice, and textual inputs to offer more helpful suggestions — for example, suggested replies, contextual shortcuts, or gallery actions based on image content.
Android Desktop Mode (Successor to DeX)
Samsung has aligned its desktop experience to Android’s native Desktop Mode. The result: better compatibility with apps and fewer proprietary quirks. Users still get windowed apps, multi‑monitor support, and S Pen integration on compatible devices.
Enhanced Multitasking — 90:10 Split Screen
One UI 8 adds a flexible 90:10 split view, letting one app occupy the majority of the screen while a second app remains available in a narrow strip. This is useful for reference apps, chat heads, or media control while focusing on a primary task.
Quick Share & File Management Improvements
Quick Share is more intuitive, separating sending vs receiving flows and allowing for smoother transfers. The file manager also adds filters that make it easier to locate files by the app that downloaded or created them.
Now Bar & Live Updates
The Now Bar now supports broader live updates using Android’s Live Updates framework — meaning apps that implement the protocol can surface real‑time info in the status area and Now Bar, such as deliveries, live sports, or ongoing tasks.
Security & Privacy Enhancements
One UI 8 strengthens Samsung Knox and Secure Folder, introduces quantum‑resistant Wi‑Fi protections, and improves system‑level isolation for sensitive data. These under‑the‑hood changes aim to future‑proof device security.
Strengths & Weaknesses — What Users Say
Early impressions praise smoother multitasking, improved Quick Share, and stronger security foundations. Critics note the update feels incremental for some users and that tighter bootloader policies could upset enthusiasts.
How to Prepare & Upgrade: Best Practices
- Back up your data before upgrading (cloud or local backup).
- Free up storage and ensure your device is charged or plugged in.
- Update apps after the OS upgrade to benefit from compatibility fixes and new Live Update features.
- Review privacy and permission settings after upgrading.
Conclusion
One UI 8 is an evolution of Samsung’s mobile interface that prioritizes smoother multitasking, deeper AI/contextual features, and stronger security. While many changes are refinements, the update establishes groundwork for future AI features and better alignment with Android’s desktop and Live Updates systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will my phone get One UI 8?
Rollout timing depends on model and region. Check Settings → Software update for the official availability on your device.
Does One UI 8 require Android 16?
One UI 8 is built to align with the features of Android 16, so most One UI 8 builds are distributed alongside Android 16 updates or their Samsung‑specific equivalents.
Will DeX be removed?
Samsung moved its desktop experience to Android’s native Desktop Mode; many DeX features remain but some proprietary options may change or be reworked for compatibility.
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