Samsung has begun rolling out the stable One UI 8 software update for the Galaxy S25 series in the United States. Built on Google’s Android 16, this release introduces new AI-powered tools along with a number of refinements to the interface. For now, the rollout is live for unlocked versions of the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Carrier-locked devices should get the update in the coming weeks, though that part of the schedule often shifts slightly depending on the carrier.
Key Takeaways
- The official One UI 8 update is now available for Galaxy S25 models in the US.
- It’s based on Android 16.
- Galaxy AI sees major upgrades, and performance optimizations are included.
- The release is staggered, so not everyone will receive it on day one.
This update follows about two months of beta testing, during which users helped Samsung fine-tune the software. If you own an unlocked Galaxy S25 device in the US, you can check manually by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The firmware version is listed as S938U1UEU1BXI9 and comes in at around 3 GB, so it may be worth downloading over Wi-Fi.
Samsung, one of the world’s largest smartphone makers, has been layering its One UI software on top of Android for years. Each new release tends to refine both the look and the usability, and One UI 8 continues in that direction with a particular emphasis on AI features.
One of the headline additions is AI Video Edit. This tool lets you handle what used to be advanced edits with simple text prompts. A user might ask the AI to erase an object across every frame of a clip, or to automatically cut shorter videos for social media. Another feature, called Adaptive Power Shield, uses AI to learn usage patterns and manage background processes in order to stretch out battery life.
Visually, there are subtle but noticeable changes. App icons now carry a bit more depth, animations feel smoother, and notifications are easier to manage. Users have more control over which apps can send alerts and how they show up. On top of that, Android 16’s built-in privacy upgrades, like tighter permissions controls and a more detailed privacy dashboard, are included in this update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main new features in One UI 8?
A: One UI 8 introduces new Galaxy AI features like AI Video Edit and Adaptive Power Shield. It also includes visual refinements to icons and animations, better notification controls, and the core privacy and security upgrades from Android 16.
Q: Will my Galaxy S23 get the One UI 8 update?
A: Yes, the Galaxy S23 series is on Samsung’s list of devices scheduled to receive the One UI 8 update. The update for older models usually follows the release for the current flagship, likely sometime in the first quarter of 2026.
Q: How do I install the One UI 8 update on my phone?
A: Once the update is available for your device, you should receive a notification. You can also manually check for it by going to Settings, selecting Software update, and then tapping on Download and install.
