Breaking: Samsung Starts One UI 8 Beta Rollout for Galaxy S25 Series Without Formal Announcement
Android 16-based update now available in Korea for S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra
Samsung surprises users with quiet One UI 8 Beta launch
In an unexpected move, Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 8 Beta, based on Android 16, for its Galaxy S25 series. The beta launch went live without any official announcement, catching many Galaxy users by surprise.
- The program is currently limited to South Korea, where users of the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra can begin testing the new features ahead of the public release.
- This beta marks the first public test of One UI 8, following the private development phase earlier in the year.
One UI 8 Beta build details
Users can identify the update by the following One UI 8 Beta build versions:
- Galaxy S25 – S931NKSU3ZYER
- Galaxy S25 Plus – S936NKSU3ZYER
- Galaxy S25 Ultra – S938NKSU3ZYER
These builds include both One UI 8 features and the May 2025 security patch.
How to join the One UI 8 Beta Program
Eligible Galaxy S25 users can participate in the Beta Program through the Samsung Members app:
- Open the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy S25 series device.
- Go to the Beta Program section.
- If the program is live for your device, you’ll see the “Open” status.
- Tap the banner, read the instructions and warnings, and press “Join.”
- Once registered, your status will change to “Joined.”
To download the beta firmware:
- Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install.
What to expect from One UI 8
While Samsung has yet to publish a full changelog, early testers have reported enhancements in:
- Multitasking and productivity tools
- Redesigned apps like Reminder, Calendar, and Samsung Health
- Improvements to Camera, Phone system performance, and security features
- Better integration with Android 16 and more refined privacy controls
What’s next?
Samsung is expected to roll out the One UI 8 Beta to more countries soon, possibly including the US, Germany, India, China, and the UK in the coming days. A formal announcement and updated beta website are likely to follow.
