HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected to run Android 16-based One UI 8 out of the box.
2. Google is expected to release the stable version of Android 16 in June or July this year.
3. We’ll likely get a full preview of Android 16 during the Google I/O 2025 event.
Samsung’s next-generation foldables — the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 — are rumored to ship with Android 16-based One UI 8 right out of the box, according to a recent report from SamMobile. If true, this would mark a faster software rollout compared to the delayed release of One UI 7 (based on Android 15), which left many Galaxy users disappointed.
A Faster Rollout for One UI 8?
The report suggests that Samsung may be aiming for a quicker release cycle with One UI 8, potentially launching the new foldables shortly after Google rolls out the stable build of Android 16 — expected to arrive by June or July 2025.
With Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20–21, we’re likely to get a detailed first look at Android 16 during the developer conference. If Google sticks to its usual timeline, Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 just a few weeks after the Android 16 public release.
While there’s still no confirmation on whether Samsung plans to launch a One UI 8 beta program, speculation indicates that the upcoming Galaxy S25 series might be the first to test the new interface, possibly ahead of the Z Fold and Z Flip lineup.
A Quick Recap: What’s New in One UI 7?
Although One UI 7 saw delays, it brought a host of changes and enhancements to the user experience, including design upgrades, customization options, and new AI-driven features:
🔹 Design & Interface Tweaks–
- Now Bar: A pill-shaped control center on the lock screen for quick access to music, timers, and navigation.
- Updated Icons & Widgets: Refreshed app icons and more customizable, modern widgets.
- Camera UI Redesign: A cleaner camera interface with improved zoom controls.
- Charging Animations: Green progress bar during charging.
- Smoother Animations: Faster, fluid transitions between apps.
🔹 Customization Features–
- Vertical App Drawer: Apps can now be scrolled vertically.
- Lock Screen Options: New clock styles, fonts, and widget customization.
- Improved Gestures: Swipe from top-left for notifications and top-right for quick settings.
🔹 AI-Powered Features–
- Writing Assist: AI helps enhance written content across the UI.
- Call Transcriptions: Converts voice calls into text in up to 20 languages.
- Now Brief: Delivers AI-curated info tailored to your usage patterns.
- Audio & Object Eraser: Allows users to remove background noise and unwanted objects from videos.
With Android 16 and One UI 8 just around the corner, Samsung appears to be gearing up for a major upgrade cycle, especially for its premium foldable devices. If the latest reports are accurate, users could soon experience a more refined and responsive UI — without the delays that marred the last release.
Stay tuned for more updates as Google I/O and Samsung’s launch event approach!
