Samsung’s Android 15 update, known as One UI 7, has faced significant delays, with its stable rollout only set to begin next week, around April 13, 2025. This comes a staggering six months after Google finalized Android 15. In stark contrast, reports indicate that Samsung’s next iteration, One UI 8 based on Android 16, is expected to debut alongside the company’s upcoming foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The story of One UI 7 has been a long and arduous one. Samsung did not release a beta version for this update until December 2024, and while the Galaxy S25 series launched in January 2025 with One UI 7 out of the box, other devices have been left waiting. The stable update, finally confirmed last month, is set to roll out early next week, marking a messy and frustrating delay for users.
According to a report from SamMobile, the situation for One UI 8 appears to be markedly different. Internal testing for One UI 8 is already underway, and there are rumors that Samsung may skip its usual incremental updates, jumping straight from One UI 7.0 to One UI 8.0. This would mean that devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be the first to ship with One UI 8 pre-installed.
The timing of this launch aligns well with Google’s accelerated release schedule for Android 16, which is expected to land in June or July 2025. This overlap with Samsung’s annual foldable refresh raises the possibility that the company will kick off One UI 8 with its foldable lineup instead of the Galaxy S series, which has traditionally set the pace for new One UI releases. Historically, One UI versions have debuted alongside flagship Galaxy S devices; for instance, One UI 7 was launched with the Galaxy S25 series, One UI 6 with the S23, and One UI 5 with the S22.
As for the new foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is reportedly being designed to be slimmer, measuring just 4.5mm thick when unfolded. This change aims to bring it in line with the thinnest foldable devices on the market. Meanwhile, the Z Flip 7 appears to be moving away from the folder-style cover display that has defined the Flip series, opting instead for a full cover screen interrupted only by dual camera cutouts.
Both devices are expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which should enhance performance significantly. The Z Flip 7 is also rumored to come with a slightly larger battery, increasing from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh, while the Z Fold 7 may retain its current 4,400mAh cell.
Despite the chaos surrounding the One UI 7 update, Samsung seems determined to make amends with the upcoming One UI 8. The company’s handling of the One UI 7 rollout has left many users frustrated, as they have been waiting for the stable update for over half a year after the release of Android 15. The anticipation for One UI 8 is palpable, especially with the prospect of a smoother rollout and a more polished experience.
Samsung’s strategy to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with One UI 8 could also mean that the software will become available for other devices, including the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, much sooner than expected. This shift in approach is noteworthy, as it reflects Samsung’s adaptability in response to user feedback and the competitive landscape of the smartphone market.
With Google’s stable version of Android 16 on the horizon, the tech community is buzzing with excitement about what Samsung will deliver. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are set to arrive in late July to early August 2025, and if the timeline holds, Samsung could be among the first to offer devices running the latest Android version out of the box, a privilege typically reserved for Google’s Pixel phones.
In summary, Samsung is gearing up for a significant shift in its software strategy with the upcoming One UI 8 and its new foldable devices. The company’s ability to pivot and adapt to the fast-paced tech environment will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge. As the tech world eagerly awaits the official announcements, one thing is clear: Samsung is aiming to turn the page on its One UI 7 struggles and usher in a new era of innovation with One UI 8.
