Samsung's rollout of its Android 15-based One UI 7 update has been far from smooth. With ongoing beta testing and persistent delays, users are still awaiting the stable release of One UI 7.0, while rumors suggest that One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1 might be canceled altogether. However, there is some relief in sight—One UI 8, based on Android 16, is expected to stay on track.
One UI 8 Expected to Launch on Time
Several reports indicate that Samsung plans to release One UI 8 on schedule, aligning with the timeline of its previous major updates. According to X user @Tonysamsunglove, Samsung intends to roll out One UI 8.0 between October and November 2025. This will be followed by:
- One UI 8.1 in January 2026 (alongside the Galaxy S26 series)
- One UI 8.1.1 in June or July 2026 (with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8)
If these rumors hold true, Samsung will return to its predictable update cycle, restoring faith in its software development timeline.
One UI 7: A Troubled Update
While One UI 8 seems to be on track, the situation with One UI 7 remains chaotic:
- One UI 7.0 stable release is still in beta testing for the Galaxy S24 series.
- Expected stable release: March 2025, but some sources suggest a potential delay until May 2025.
- Samsung shipped the Galaxy S25 series with One UI 7.0 instead of 7.1, further indicating internal delays.
- One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1 may be scrapped entirely, meaning the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 might launch with a minor One UI 7.0.1 update instead.
The delays are significant—One UI 6.0 launched on time, but One UI 7 is already six months behind schedule. Samsung’s unpredictability with this release has frustrated users and could impact trust in future updates.
Why One UI 7 Struggled, and What It Means for One UI 8
Samsung’s One UI 7 delay is likely due to the major changes in Android 15 and Samsung's effort to introduce new AI-driven features. However, these challenges don’t seem to extend to One UI 8, which is why it’s expected to launch on time.
Meanwhile, Google has already released two public beta builds for Android 16, with a stable launch expected in June 2025. If Samsung sticks to its usual timeline, the One UI 8 beta should begin shortly after Android 16 goes live, allowing for a smooth October/November rollout.
Final Thoughts
Samsung's One UI 7 delays have been frustrating, but the situation may not repeat with One UI 8. If the company can re-establish its usual update cadence, it could regain consumer confidence. However, if One UI 8 also faces setbacks, Samsung could lose significant ground to competitors like Google and OnePlus, which have improved their software update speed and reliability.
For now, all eyes are on Samsung’s next move. Will it successfully launch One UI 8 on time, or will delays become the new norm? Stay tuned for more updates.