Samsung launched the One UI 8 beta program for Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, and Z Flip6 devices on August 13, 2025, delivering Android 16-based features previously exclusive to the S25 lineup. The 3.2GB update introduces the Now Bar interface and Personal Data Engine AI capabilities across India, South Korea, the UK, and US markets. Galaxy S23 devices join September 8, during stable release targets September 2025. The rollout strategy demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to keeping older flagships relevant with tomorrow’s software innovations.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series has officially joined the One UI 8 beta program as of August 13, 2025, bringing Android 16-based features that were previously exclusive to the newer S25 lineup. The rollout marks a significant expansion of Samsung’s testing program, extending coveted AI capabilities and interface improvements to last year’s flagship devices.
The beta landed with surgical precision across four key markets: India, South Korea, the UK, and the United States. Although Samsung’s press release initially targeted August 11 for the US launch, actual availability arrived two days later alongside international markets. The 3.2GB update carries firmware versions S92xBXXU9ZYH3 for UK units and S92xNKSU9ZYH3 for South Korean devices, signaling substantial under-the-hood changes. This timely release highlights the advantage of online tech support, ensuring users can easily receive assistance if needed during the beta testing phase. Moreover, the integration of multi-functional printers may help businesses streamline their document workflow during the transition to new software. Additionally, this beta could represent a shift towards enhancing cross-device compatibility in gaming as more users utilize their Galaxy devices for cloud gaming experiences.
Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra owners can now access features that seemed destined for newer hardware. The Now Bar implementation stands out as the crown jewel—a persistent interface element that adapts contextually throughout daily usage. Personal Data Engine capabilities have likewise made the jump, establishing foundations for what Samsung calls “intuitive AI experiences.” These aren’t mere software tweaks; they represent fundamental shifts in how Android handles multimodal interactions.
The Now Bar transforms daily interactions while Personal Data Engine powers Samsung’s most ambitious AI leap yet.
The inclusion of Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 in this beta wave reinforces Samsung’s commitment to foldable innovation. Both devices receive the same Android 16 foundation, though their unique form factors will likely showcase different implementations of the new features. Samsung’s timing suggests confidence in the beta’s stability—releasing simultaneously across flagship and foldable lineups indicates rigorous internal testing.
Enrollment requires the Samsung Members app and an active Samsung Account, with participation slots limited per country. Early adopters willing to navigate potential bugs gain access to tomorrow’s features today, though the usual beta caveats apply: expect occasional hiccups and battery drain as Samsung fine-tunes the experience. Beta firmware will arrive through over-the-air updates following successful registration confirmation.
This beta represents Phase 2 of Samsung’s One UI 8 rollout strategy. The Galaxy S25 series enjoyed exclusive access during initial testing phases starting in May 2025, but democratizing these features to older flagships demonstrates Samsung’s long-term support philosophy. Four years of major OS updates suddenly feels more meaningful when last year’s premium purchases receive cutting-edge capabilities.
Looking ahead, September promises even broader expansion. Galaxy S23 series devices reportedly join the beta program on September 8, whereas older foldables like the Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 await their turn. The stable One UI 8 release targets September 2025 for S25 devices, suggesting Samsung’s confidence in meeting ambitious timelines.
Samsung’s inverse rollout strategy—newer devices first, then cascading to older models—makes business sense as it maintains goodwill among existing customers. Your Galaxy S24 suddenly feels less outdated when it’s running tomorrow’s software today.