Apple recently rolled out iOS 26, bringing a host of AI-driven features and privacy enhancements to its ecosystem. ‘A few moment later’, the Samsung Electronics has officially announced the global rollout of One UI 8.
Samsung One UI 8 is a latest Android-based interface, designed for Galaxy smartphones and tablets launched first in Korea on September 15, 2025. Starting with the Galaxy S25 series, the update is gradually rolling out to the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S24 FE, and more devices later this year.
It introduces multimodal AI, an optimized user experience across devices, stronger security frameworks, and proactive personalization tools to boost your performance. Let’s dive into everything you need to know and why One UI 8 is Samsung’s boldest step towards AI transformation.
Samsung One UI 8 – Smarter, Safer, and More Personal
One UI 8 is not just a cosmetic update, It will completely change the interface to show how AI can integrate into everyday smartphone use. Samsung highlights personalized suggestions, stronger security, and AI-driven intelligence across apps and workflows.
Personalized Suggestions With Advanced Security
- Now Bar 2: Shows real-time app activity and media progress on the Galaxy Z Flip’s FlexWindow, now compatible with more third-party apps.
- Now Brief: Offers personalized daily updates, including traffic alerts, reminders, and Samsung Moments for reflecting on routines.
- Content Recommendations: Curated music and video picks based on subscriptions and interests.
- Health Insights: Integrated with Galaxy Watch for personalized health suggestions.
On the security front, Samsung has merged new technologies:
- Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP): Creates encrypted storage environments for each app, ensuring sensitive data remains isolated.
- Knox Matrix: Auto-signs devices out of Samsung accounts when risks are detected and alerts other connected devices.
- Secure Wi-Fi with PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography): Reinforces network security against next-generation threats.
Intelligent Multimodality – AI That Works Like You Do
With One UI 8, AI understands visual, auditory, and contextual inputs simultaneously, making Galaxy devices more tech-friendly.
- Gemini Live: Communicate naturally with AI about what you’re watching or seeing in real-time, without switching apps.
- Circle to Search with Google: Circle any element on the screen during gameplay for instant strategies, videos, or translations.
- Instant Translations: Translate text across news, apps, or social media in real-time directly on the screen.
Optimized UX Across All Galaxy Form Factors
From flagship foldables smartphones to tablets, One UI 8 designed to adapt different devices seamlessly-
Productivity & Multitasking Tools
- AI Results View: Keeps AI-generated results visible in Split View or Floating View without losing original content.
- Multi Window Enhancements: Drag and drop AI-generated images or text into documents or workflows.
- Drawing Assist & Writing Assist: Creative tools for easier design and content writing.
Innovations for Foldables (Z Flip & Z Fold Series)
- Gemini Live on FlexWindow: Use AI hands-free on the Z Flip cover screen.
- Advanced Customization: Create wallpapers with auto-curation, emojis, and backgrounds tailored for FlexWindow.
- Clock Redesign: Adapts fonts around faces or pets in wallpapers for seamless integration.
Creative & Accessibility Tools
- Audio Eraser: Removes background noise like traffic or wind during video or audio playback.
- Portrait Studio: Generates AI-powered pet portraits with a studio-like finish.
- Call Captions & Interpreter: Real-time captions for calls and keyboard-based translations.
One UI 8 Rollout Timeline and Eligible Devices
Samsung has confirmed that One UI 8 will roll out in phases, starting with premium models and expanding to mid-range and tablets.
| Phase | Devices |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Sept 2025) | Galaxy S25 Series, Galaxy S24 Series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Galaxy S24 FE |
| Phase 2 (Oct 2025) | Galaxy S23 Series, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 Series |
| Phase 3 (2025–2026) | Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Tabs (S10, S9, S8 series), Galaxy A series (A56, A36, A26, A17, A07, A06, A55, A35, A25, A16, A15, A54, A34, A73, A53, A33) |
Apple Admits iOS 26 Affect Battery Life, Samsung Promises Stable Performance
Apple has officially agreed the iOS 26 upgrade could slow battery performance for some users. In contrast, Samsung is reassuring Galaxy users that One UI 8 is designed with optimized advanced system management.
The update will not compromise battery health but instead enhance everyday efficiency to deliver a smoother, more reliable experience across its flagship and mid-range Galaxy devices
Apple iOS 26 vs Samsung One UI 8 – Side-by-Side
| Feature | Apple iOS 26 | Samsung One UI 8 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Integration | Siri AI with limited scope | Multimodal AI (visual, audio, context) |
| Customization | Limited themes & widgets | Extensive themes, FlexWindow, wallpapers |
| Security | Device-wide encryption | Knox KEEP, Knox Matrix, PQC |
| Multitasking | Basic app switching | Multi Window, Split View, Drag & Drop |
| Translation & Search | Safari Translate | Circle to Search, Instant On-Screen Translations |
Samsung clearly positions One UI 8 as a flexible, customizable alternative to beat with Apple’s ecosystem, targeting users who value personalization and multitasking.
How to Check and Install One UI 8
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Software Update
- Select Download and Install
- Follow the instructions and reboot your device
Keep your phone charged above 50% and connected to Wi-Fi for a smooth update. The phone could increase heat during update.
Why One UI 8 Is Samsung’s Answer to iOS 26
Apple’s iOS 26 showed off its ecosystem power, but Samsung’s One UI 8 brings Android flexibility plus AI intelligence. By combining context-aware personalization, advanced form-factor adaptation, and stronger security, Samsung strengthens its place in the smartphone wars.
For users, this means:
- Smarter daily routines powered by AI
- Stronger data privacy across networks and apps
- Seamless experiences across Galaxy devices
Conclusion
The launch of Samsung One UI 8 after Apple’s iOS 26 highlights the real competition between the two tech giants. With AI enhancement, advanced personalization, and multi-device adaptability, Samsung sets a new benchmark for Android experiences.
If you own a Galaxy device, check if your model is on the eligible list and update as soon as it becomes available. The future of mobile AI is here, and Samsung is ensuring that users are one step ahead in the game.
Read more: Apple iOS 26 Release Today: Release Time, Supported Devices, and Key Features Explained
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FAQ Section
Q1: Which devices are getting Samsung One UI 8 first?
The rollout starts with the Galaxy S25 series, then moves to S24, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and S24 FE before expanding to older flagships and mid-range models.
Q2: Is One UI 8 better than Apple iOS 26?
It depends on user preference. iOS 26 offers tight ecosystem integration, while One UI 8 provides greater customization, multitasking, and AI-driven experiences.
Q3: What are the best new features in One UI 8?
Some highlights include Gemini Live, Circle to Search, AI Results View, Audio Eraser, Portrait Studio, and Knox KEEP for stronger privacy.
Q4: When will One UI 8 reach Galaxy A-series phones?
Samsung has confirmed rollout for late 2025 to early 2026, depending on the model and region.