Samsung is already looking ahead to its next big software update, even as the rollout of One UI 7 based on Android 15 is still ongoing. According to reports, the South Korean tech giant may be gearing up to reveal its upcoming foldable phones—the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7—with the next iteration of its custom skin, One UI 8, out-of-the-box. Here’s everything we know so far about what could be one of Samsung’s earliest Android 16-based launches.
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Launch
Samsung typically launches its foldable lineup in July, and it seems like that timeline will continue this year. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are both expected to make their debut around mid-year, and they could be the first Samsung phones to ship with One UI 8 based on Android 16 pre-installed. This early adoption of the new operating system would mark a significant shift in Samsung’s update timeline strategy.
Software
Reports from SamMobile suggest that Samsung is already testing internal builds of One UI 8. A recent tip from a known leaker pointed to listings of the firmware on Samsung’s servers under the label “newfound test firmware.” The firmware build version spotted—S938BXXU1BYC1/S938BOXM1BYC1—seems to be linked to the upcoming Galaxy S25 series, showing that One UI 8 testing is well underway across multiple device lines.
What’s even more interesting is that this testing appears to have started two months earlier than Samsung’s usual schedule. This hints that the company is looking to fast-track development and deliver Android 16-based software as soon as it’s available from Google.
Android 16
While we don’t yet know what Android 16 or One UI 8 will bring in terms of new features, there is some clarity on the timeline. A Google official has confirmed that Android 16 is set for release in June 2025. The source code for the OS is expected to be added to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. Once that happens, OEMs like Samsung can begin finalizing their custom versions of the OS.
If Samsung continues to push ahead with early development, we could see One UI 8 make its official debut alongside or shortly after the Android 16 AOSP release. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 could be the first testbeds for this updated software experience, giving users a glimpse of what’s to come on future Galaxy devices.
Expectations
While One UI 8 hasn’t been officially revealed, expectations are already building. Given Samsung’s history, we can likely expect performance improvements, refined visuals, deeper AI integrations, and enhanced features for foldable functionality. The foldable form factor may also benefit from multitasking upgrades, better continuity between inner and outer displays, and more intuitive gestures.
For now, everything is based on speculation and leaks, but the signs all point to an exciting mid-year launch for Samsung fans. The combination of new hardware and new software could make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 among the most anticipated devices of 2025.
FAQs
When will Galaxy Z Fold 7 launch?
It’s expected to launch in July 2025.
Will Z Flip 7 ship with Android 16?
Yes, it may launch with One UI 8 based on Android 16.
Is One UI 8 already in testing?
Yes, internal test builds have been spotted on Samsung servers.
When will Android 16 release?
Google may release it on June 3, 2025.
What’s new in One UI 8?
No official details yet, but more info is expected soon.
