Samsung prepares for Android 16: Which smartphones and tablets will get One UI 8

16:24 18 April, 2025

Samsung is wasting no time: despite delays with Android 15, the company is already developing One UI 8, built on Android 16. This update promises to enhance the Galaxy user experience, with over 50 devices—from flagships to budget models—slated for the upgrade. Here’s a look at which devices will get One UI 8, what to expect from the update, and when it will roll out.

Which Devices Will Get One UI 8?

The preliminary list of devices Samsung plans to update to Android 16 with One UI 8 spans a wide range of smartphones and tablets. These include:

Flagships and Sub-Flagships: Galaxy S21 FE, the entire Galaxy S22 series (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra), and newer models like the S23, S24, and their FE variants.
Foldables: Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, and all subsequent models, including the upcoming Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and the budget-friendly Z Flip SE, set to debut in summer 2025.
Mid-Range: Galaxy A06, A14, A15, A16, A23, A24, plus devices from the F (F06, F15) and M (M05, M15) series, which are popular in Asia and Latin America.
Tablets: Galaxy Tab S8 (including S8, S8+, S8 Ultra), Tab A9, Tab A9+, and newer models like the Tab S9 and Tab S10.

While unofficial, this list aligns with Samsung’s policy of providing four years of OS updates for most devices released after 2021. For instance, the Galaxy S21 FE, launched in 2022, will receive Android 16 as one of its final major updates.

What’s New in One UI 8?

One UI 8 won’t be a game-changer—it’s a minor update refining features introduced in One UI 7 (Android 15). Expected enhancements include:

Interface Optimization: Smoother animations and improved multitasking, especially for foldables.
AI Features: Expanded Galaxy AI capabilities, including new tools for photo editing, text translation, and voice assistants.
Battery Efficiency: Enhanced algorithms to extend battery life.
Security: Integration of Android 16’s latest patches for data protection.

Samsung may also introduce exclusive features for new foldables like the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 to highlight their uniqueness. The budget Z Flip SE, rumored to inherit the Flip6’s design with a simplified processor, could become a mid-range hit.

When to Expect the Update?

Google is set to release Android 16 in June 2025, with Pixel devices getting it first. Samsung typically follows with a slight delay: One UI 8 is expected in late July or early August 2025. Flagships—Galaxy S24, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and the new Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 debuting in summer—will be first in line. Mid-range models like the Galaxy A16 or M15 may wait until fall or winter 2025, depending on the region.

The timeline could shift, as seen with One UI 7, where Samsung paused the rollout due to bugs. However, the company is already testing One UI 8 to avoid similar hiccups, with leaks showing the Galaxy Z Fold7 running Android 16 on Geekbench.

Why It Matters

Samsung leads the Android market, selling over 250 million devices annually. Supporting older models like the Galaxy A14 or S21 FE fosters user loyalty, especially in developing markets where the A, M, and F series thrive. Updating to Android 16 will extend these devices’ lifespans, delivering new features and security. For foldable fans, One UI 8 makes the Z Flip SE—a potential bestseller at $800–900—even more enticing.

What’s Next?

Samsung is gearing up for a major foldable launch in summer 2025, with One UI 8 as the software backbone. Beta testing will likely start in June for flagships, while mid-range devices like the A06 or Tab A9 should see stable releases by year’s end. Keep an eye on Samsung’s announcements to catch the update rollout in your region.