Samsung's One UI 8 Beta: Android 16 Preview with AI and More

 Hey there, Samsung Galaxy S25 owners! If you’re itching to try out the latest software, you’re in luck—Samsung’s rolling out an open beta for One UI 8, built on Android 16, and it’s hitting some Galaxy S25 devices way ahead of schedule. Usually, non-Pixel phones wait months for the latest Android, but Samsung’s moving fast this time. Here’s the scoop on what’s new, how to get it, and whether it’s worth the hype.

How to Join the Beta

Getting in on the beta is super easy. Just fire up the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra, and you should see the beta signup right on the main page. Tap it, and within a few minutes, you’ll get a 3.4GB over-the-air update. The install is quick, and your data should be safe, but let’s be real—beta software can be quirky, so back up your phone first. 

One catch: the beta’s only available in the US, Germany, Korea, and the UK. If you’re in the US, your phone needs to be unlocked or a T-Mobile model. Sorry, Galaxy S25 Edge folks—you’re not invited to this party (yet).

What’s New in One UI 8?

Samsung’s hyping up One UI 8 with promises of “game-changing” upgrades, but after messing around with it for a bit, it feels more like a small step than a giant leap. The big focus is—surprise—more AI. Samsung’s pitching “multimodal capabilities” and “personalized, proactive suggestions,” but it’s pretty vague about what that actually means. The Galaxy S25 already launched with a feature called Now Brief (and its Now Bar widget), which is supposed to analyze your data privately in Samsung’s Knox security enclave and serve up helpful tips. In the beta, it’s… well, pretty much the same. You’ll see weather updates, calendar reminders, and some news articles you might not care about. There’s talk of an audio version of Now Brief coming later, but it’s not here yet.

Beyond AI, there are some solid updates. Auracast, a Bluetooth LE feature, gets a boost, making it easier to pair multiple devices like earbuds or hearing aids using QR codes. Quick Share is also more accessible from the Quick Settings panel, which is a nice touch. There’s a new Reminder app too—it’s simple and user-friendly, but it’s not exactly a reason to throw a party.

Does It Feel Like a Big Deal?

Honestly, not really. The beta feels polished, which suggests it’s close to the final version, but it’s light on wow-factor changes. Given that Galaxy AI didn’t exactly blow us away when the S25 launched, it’s a bummer that One UI 8 doesn’t bring more to the table. Samsung’s calling this a “new rhythm” for updates, hinting they’ll follow Google’s plan for two big Android releases a year—one for major changes, another for tweaks. One UI 8 will also come pre-installed on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 this summer, so maybe there’s more to come.

Should You Try It?

If you’re in one of the eligible countries and love being the first to try new software, the beta’s worth a spin. It’s stable enough for daily use, and the new features, while not mind-blowing, are nice to have. Just don’t expect a massive overhaul. If you’re happy with your current setup, you might want to wait for the final release.

What do you think—excited to try One UI 8, or waiting for something more? Let me know!