One UI 8 based on Android 16 leak suggests no major design changes

Published On: 15 Apr, 2025

Samsung has just started the rollout of One UI 7 to Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 but reportedly paused days later owing to a last-minute bug. However, it looks like the brand has started its work for the next upgrade, which will be One UI 8 based on Android 16. The latest leak now offers an early glimpse of One UI 8 and its design. Here are the details.

One UI 8 leaked

The One UI 8 design and first look comes from an early build installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, courtesy of Smartprix.
The images from the early build hint the design and UI look almost familiar to the One UI 7 with some cosmetic changes.
The About page shows the Android version is 16 and May 1st, 2025 Google Play system update.

As said, the home screen looks almost similar to One UI 7. The report notes the changes in the UI are limited to File Manager and Gallery.

The File Manager offers minor interface improvements. The ‘Categories‘ section has been visually refreshed to make it more appealing.

There appear to be some notable improvements/enhancements within the ‘Gallery’ application with more shortcuts for better ease of use.
Additionally, the ‘Now Brief‘ feature which is exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series could be expanded to more models, possibly the Galaxy S and Z series flagships with One UI 8 as the early F956BXXU2CYD7 build includes this.

This analyses users’ daily routines to offer personalised suggestions.
One of the screenshots shared in the report shows the Galaxy AI features, including Drawing Assist, Health Assist, Photo Ambient Wallpaper, Audio Eraser and more.

Considering the changes are limited to core applications like File Manager and Gallery, it is possible that One UI 8 may come as a version that irons out any inconsistencies/rough edges with One UI 7.

Also, this looks like this is an easy build of One UI 8 so other visual improvements may not be immediately available. It was recently reported that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 will debut with One UI 8. This means the South Korean giant could be speeding up its development for the next major upgrade, probably making up for the delay caused by the One UI 7. Google is also planning on releasing Android 16 by Q2 2025.

One UI 7 rollout resuming soon?

Going back to One UI 7, after removing the stable builds from the servers, Samsung has reportedly confirmed that it temporarily suspended the rollout due to some “issues requiring maintenance.”

Official update from Samsung on One UI 7 rollout ‼️

We have temporarily suspended the update due to some issues requiring maintenance.

Samsung Electronics has completed its inspection and will resume updates soon. pic.twitter.com/04LuLExEXb
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) April 15, 2025

It further added that the inspection has been completed and would “resume updates soon.”
In line with that, the South Korean giant is said to have uploaded (via) a new One UI 7 stable build BYD9 to the server. We can expect the rollout to resume soon.