Samsung has been slow to release its One UI 7 update, based on the Android 15. We are in November and it has no beta version available yet. However, we may not have to wait this long for the Android 16-based One UI 8 launch. A major change on Google’s end might bring One UI 8 to the market substantially earlier.
One UI 8 could launch a lot earlier thanks to Google
A month ago, a renowned Android expert suggested that Google might release the stable Android 16 build as early as the second quarter of 2025. They found evidence within official documents. Google has now confirmed this — the stable Android 16 update will be out by June 2025. That’s approximately three months earlier than the usual release timeframe.
Given this schedule, Samsung could roll out One UI 8.0 in the third quarter, by September 2025. This timing aligns well with its foldable launch. We might be being too optimistic, but the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 could come pre-loaded with Android 16 and One UI 8.0. Even if that doesn’t happen, Galaxy users may not have to wait until year-end to get the update.
Interestingly, Google plans to release two Android updates next year. The first update in Q2 2025 will be a major release with “behavior changes” alongside new features and enhancements. It will be followed by a minor release with “feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes” in the fourth quarter. The latter won’t contain behavior changes but include new developer APIs.
It’s unclear whether Google will label this minor release as Android 16.1 or Android 16.5 or still call it Android 16. Likewise, we will have to remain and see if Samsung’s second Android 16-based update will be One UI 8, 8.1, or 8.5. Or perhaps One UI 8.1.1, only time will tell. Currently, all eyes are on its One UI 7.0 beta release expected later this month.
