Earlier this week, a reliable source hinted that Samsung might bypass One UI 7 and jump directly to One UI 8, referencing the delays that have affected the current iteration of the software. Today, the initial builds of One UI 8 were discovered on an internal test server. While this doesn’t imply that One UI 8 will be available immediately, it does suggest that development has commenced at least two months sooner than anticipated.
One UI 7 has been undergoing beta testing since December and has been rolled out to only a limited number of devices so far. Samsung confirmed that the stable version of One UI 7 will be available in April, with additional devices, including foldable models, being incorporated into the beta program. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 have started receiving updates as well, allowing them to finally participate in the Android 15 ecosystem.
One UI 7 brings a wealth of valuable features, including the Now Bar, which is Samsung’s version of Apple’s Dynamic Island, along with specific functionalities like parental controls and content restrictions.
Concerns have emerged among fans regarding the delays of One UI 7, particularly since even entry-level Android devices are already running Android 15. Many believe that Samsung has lagged behind in recent years, and the delays associated with One UI 7 are a result of the efforts needed to catch up.
By initiating development on One UI 8 now, Samsung allows enough time to address potential bugs and ensures the software will be ready to launch with the Samsung Galaxy S26. The company has reassured its customers that despite the setbacks, One UI 7 is on its way, and those who have tested it commend its animations, smooth operation, and AI features, even if some of these functionalities are not available on older devices due to hardware limitations.
