- Final Major Update for Galaxy S22: Samsung has begun rolling out the Android 16-based One UI 8.0 update to its Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra phones – the fourth and final major OS upgrade promised for these 2022 flagship devices [1] [2]. The update (~3.2 GB) launched in Europe and will expand globally in coming days [3], bringing the S22 series up to Android 16 as its last big Android version. Samsung will continue to provide security patches for at least another year, though it’s uncertain if the S22 line will receive the minor One UI 8.5 refinement next year [4] [5].
- New Features & Improvements: One UI 8 isn’t a radical overhaul but does introduce a cleaner, more modern UI and a host of enhancements. Users gain new UI elements and convenience features – from improved multitasking in Samsung DeX (like new display rotation options) to expanded Modes & Routines automation and a more secure Secure Folder [6]. Core apps like Alarm, Calendar, My Files, Quick Share, Reminder, and Samsung Internet have been revamped for better usability [7]. Samsung also added fresh personalization touches such as dynamic color-gradient wallpapers and an adaptive lockscreen clock (the latter reserved for premium models) [8]. The Camera app’s interface is refined with quicker swipe controls, and a new Call Captions feature can transcribe dialogue in real time during phone calls [9]. Overall performance, privacy controls, and battery efficiency see further optimizations under Android 16.
- Wide Rollout to Millions of Devices: Samsung began One UI 8’s rollout in mid-September 2025 and is pushing the Android 16 update at an impressive pace [10]. All of Samsung’s recent high-end models – the Galaxy S25 series (2025 flagships), S24 series (2024), S23 series (2023), and the latest Galaxy Z Fold/Flip devices – have already received the One UI 8 update [11]. Even midrange phones are quickly joining in: popular models like the Galaxy A54/A34 saw One UI 8 in early October [12], and the new Galaxy M54 is now getting it across Asia and other regions [13]. Samsung’s faster rollout means some 3-year-old Galaxy phones are getting Android 16 before many 2025-model phones from other brands – a notable turnaround in update speed [14].
- Which Devices Are Still Waiting: As of early October, Samsung confirmed it plans to upgrade all eligible Galaxy devices by November 2025 [15]. Remaining devices in queue include the Galaxy S21 FE (2022 Fan Edition) and several 2022-midrange models: for example, the Galaxy A73, A53, A33 (5G) and a slew of Galaxy M/F series phones (like M56, M55s, M34, M16, F56, F54, etc.) that haven’t received One UI 8 yet [16]. On the tablet side, the Galaxy Tab S8 series, the budget-friendly Galaxy Tab A11, and the rugged Galaxy Tab Active5 (as well as the Galaxy XCover7 phone) are also awaiting the Android 16 update [17]. Samsung typically staggers releases by region and model, so if your Galaxy device is on the eligibility list but hasn’t updated, it should receive One UI 8 by the end of November.
- One UI 8.5 and Future Updates: Looking ahead, Samsung is already preparing One UI 8.5, an interim upgrade still based on Android 16 that will bring another round of refinements and new features [18]. According to insider reports, the One UI 8.5 beta program could start by late November 2025 [19], focusing on select recent flagships. The finalized One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series launch in early 2026, then roll out to other supported models [20]. Not every phone that got One UI 8 will necessarily see 8.5 – Samsung’s update roadmap suggests some older flagships might be left out of the 8.5 release [21]. Nevertheless, devices like the S23, S24, and many 2023–2024 Galaxy models should get One UI 8.5 in due course, bringing features like further UI tweaks and AI-powered enhancements (as hinted by recent leaks). For the Galaxy S22 series, which launched with a then-industry-leading 4-year OS update promise, Android 16 marks the end of its OS upgrade journey [22] [23]. Samsung will continue to provide security updates on One UI 8, but Android 17 and beyond are slated for newer Galaxy generations (e.g. S23, S24 and later) only [24].
Final Android 16 Update for Galaxy S22 Series
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup (released in early 2022) is now receiving its last major Android OS update. The company this month began pushing out Android 16 with its One UI 8.0 skin to the Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra models, starting in Europe [25]. This update fulfills Samsung’s promise of four full Android version upgrades for the S22 series, which launched on Android 12 and has incrementally updated through versions 13, 14, 15, and now 16 [26]. “By updating these phones to One UI 8 (Android 16), Samsung has fulfilled that promise,” notes SamMobile, a Samsung-focused outlet [27]. The Android 16 rollout to S22 devices comes roughly one year after their previous Android 15 update, and it arrives ahead of schedule compared to some competitors – an impressive feat considering the phones are nearly three years old.
What’s included: The One UI 8 firmware for the S22 series is substantial (around 3.2 GB) and carries version S90xBXXUIGYI7 in Europe [28]. Users in countries like Germany and Poland were among the first to see the update notification, thanks in part to Samsung’s phased release approach [29]. Within a week or two, the update is expected to expand to other regions worldwide [30]. Users can manually check for it via Settings > Software update > Download and install. As always, it’s wise to back up data and ensure a decent battery charge before upgrading.
This Android 16-based One UI 8 update is the final “big” Android upgrade for the S22 series – there will be no Android 17 for these models. Samsung’s support policy for the S22 generation guarantees four Android version updates and five years of security patches [31] [32]. With One UI 8, that policy’s OS updates portion has been fully delivered. Going forward, Galaxy S22 owners can expect ongoing monthly or quarterly security updates (for at least another year, into 2026) to patch vulnerabilities and improve stability [33]. Minor feature-tweaks might also arrive via security updates or Samsung app updates, but Android 16 is effectively the platform these devices will remain on.
There is a bit of debate about whether the S22 series might still get One UI 8.5, a mid-cycle interface update Samsung has in the works (more on that later). One UI 8.5 will still be built on Android 16, so in theory it could be delivered to the S22 without violating the “no Android 17” rule. SamMobile reports that the S22 “will…get Android 16-based One UI 8.5, which will be a minor update” on top of the current release [34]. However, other industry watchers are skeptical. ExtremeTech, for example, points out that Samsung’s latest update roadmap does not list older flagships like the S22 as eligible for One UI 8.5 [35]. In practice, this means Samsung might reserve the One UI 8.5 upgrade (with its more experimental features and UI changes) for devices that still have a future Android generation ahead of them (such as the Galaxy S23 and S24). For now, Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed which existing models, if any, will get One UI 8.5 – so S22 users should consider One UI 8.0 the last feature update until we hear otherwise.
It’s worth noting that the Galaxy S22’s four-year update lifespan, while excellent for a 2022 Android phone, is being redefined by newer standards. Google’s Pixel 8 series (launched late 2023) upped the ante with a promise of 7 years of OS upgrades and security support. By contrast, the S22’s support window “lacks the current standard of software support” now set by Google [36]. Samsung’s newer flagships from 2023 onward may extend support further (Samsung has not yet matched Google’s 7-year pledge, but rumors suggest it’s evaluating longer support). For the 2022-era S22, though, four major Android versions still represents one of the longest supports among Android OEMs at the time – a testament to how Samsung has improved its update game since the days when Galaxy phones got only 2 years of updates.
One UI 8.0 – New Features and Enhancements
While One UI 8.0 doesn’t completely overhaul Samsung’s software the way some previous updates did, it brings a collection of refinements that improve the user experience. Visually, One UI 8 adopts some of Google’s Android 16 design touches while keeping Samsung’s familiar aesthetic. “One UI 8 offers a few new UI elements, which make the software look cleaner, more organized, and modern” according to SamMobile’s early review [37]. Subtle tweaks in spacing, iconography, and animations contribute to a fresher look and smoother feel in daily use.
Under the hood, Samsung has added new features large and small. Power users will appreciate upgrades to Samsung DeX, the desktop-like interface: One UI 8 adds new display rotation capabilities and other options in DeX mode to better support multitasking on big screens [38]. The Modes and Routines automation feature (which lets users set custom actions based on contexts like driving, working, sleeping, etc.) gains additional conditions and actions, making it more flexible for power users who want to customize their phone’s behavior [39]. For security-conscious users, the Secure Folder gets extra protections – Samsung has hardened this encrypted space where users can keep sensitive files and apps, ensuring stronger isolation from the rest of the device [40].
Many stock apps get revamped in One UI 8. Samsung’s Clock and Alarm app, Calendar, My Files (file manager), Reminder, and the Samsung Internet browser have all been updated with cleaner interfaces or new functions [41]. For instance, the Calendar app reportedly offers a refined schedule view and easier event management, while the Samsung Internet browser might include enhanced privacy settings and a tweaked menu layout (Samsung hasn’t detailed every change, but users are spotting improvements). Quick Share, Samsung’s AirDrop-like file sharing, is another app that received an update for speed and reliability [42].
One UI 8 also brings some fun personalization features. Samsung has introduced new wallpapers that are interactive and dynamic – for example, gradient color wallpapers that subtly shift hues over time, adding life to the home screen [43]. However, not all new eye-candy is available to every device; an Adaptive Lockscreen Clock style is present (which can change its color or layout dynamically), but SamMobile notes this “awesome”-looking feature is “limited to its premium smartphones” like the latest flagship models [44]. The update also refreshes the look of the Weather app, which now shows richer, more realistic animations for sun, rain, clouds and other conditions, making it easier to visualize the forecast at a glance [45].
Samsung hasn’t neglected communication and camera tools either. Camera UI improvements in One UI 8 make the app more intuitive: now you can swipe up or down in the viewfinder to quickly access certain controls (previously, Samsung’s camera swipe gestures were mainly for switching between front/rear cameras or modes, but now they’re customizable) [46]. Users can even configure the swipe up/down action to pull up a quick settings panel within the camera – a handy shortcut for changing resolution or timers on the fly [47]. On the phone side, a brand-new Call Captions feature has been added. This is an accessibility and convenience boon that, when enabled, will live-transcribe phone call speech in real time on your screen [48]. If you’re in a noisy environment or have trouble hearing a caller, Call Captions can display what each person says during the call, similar to closed captions on a video – a feature relatively rare on smartphones to date.
Beyond the user-facing features, Android 16 at the core of One UI 8 delivers its own set of improvements. These include under-the-hood performance optimizations that make app launch times faster and interactions more responsive. Early users have reported that One UI 8 feels smoother in animations compared to One UI 7 (Android 15). Google’s Android 16 also expands privacy controls, giving users more granular control over app permissions and introducing new safeguards for personal data [49]. For example, Android 16 has improved notification permissions and background activity controls, which Samsung integrates into One UI’s settings. All told, Galaxy users updating to One UI 8 should notice a snappier, more polished experience, even if the changes aren’t as dramatic visually as some past updates. Samsung has indicated that One UI 8 was about fine-tuning the formula – an “iterative update” focused on polish and stability ahead of bigger things to come in the next version [50].
Rollout Progress: From Flagships to Budget Phones
Samsung’s execution of the One UI 8 (Android 16) rollout has been impressively swift and broad-based, especially compared to past Android updates. The company initiated the stable release in mid-September 2025 for its newest flagships. Specifically, on September 15 Samsung rolled out One UI 8 to the Galaxy S25 series (its 2025 flagship lineup) in South Korea, with a global expansion by September 18 [51]. This meant that the latest Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra (and new S25 Edge variant) were among the first in the world to run stable Android 16 outside of Google’s Pixel phones. By late September, Samsung had also updated its premium foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the new Flip 7 FE all launched with or were updated to One UI 8, and Samsung began pushing the update to the previous generation Fold 6 and Flip 6 starting around September 22 [52] [53].
Through late September and early October, One UI 8 continued to spread quickly to older high-end models. The entire Galaxy S24 series (2024 flagships) received the Android 16 update in this window, followed by the Galaxy S23 series (2023 flagships) soon after [54]. Notably, Samsung even included its “Fan Edition” devices: the just-released Galaxy S23 FE had One UI 8 rolled out shortly after its launch, and the older Galaxy S21 FE from early 2022 is slated to get One UI 8 in the next wave on October 16 [55]. This is significant because Fan Edition models sometimes lag in updates, but Samsung is ensuring even these budget-flagship hybrids are up to date.
Samsung’s mid-range and budget phones are not far behind the flagships. In a somewhat surprising move, Samsung pushed One UI 8 to the new Galaxy A56 5G (a 2025 midrange model) very early – even without that model having been part of beta tests [56]. By the first week of October, Samsung officially confirmed that the popular 2023 mid-rangers Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G are now receiving the One UI 8 update in multiple countries [57]. The rollout for those models started in South Korea and expanded globally within days [58], with a widespread release expected by October 16 to cover virtually all A54/A34 units worldwide [59]. Similarly, the slightly lower-tier Galaxy A17, A36, A26, A16 and others are either already updating or queued to get Android 16 in the coming weeks [60].
In the Galaxy M and F series (which are region-specific budget phones), progress is also evident. The Galaxy M54 – a mid-range phone launched in early 2023 – just started receiving One UI 8 in early October, making it “the latest to join the list” as of Oct 9 [61] [62]. Reports confirmed the M54’s Android 16 update (firmware M546BXXU9EYI4) went live across several countries in Asia and Australia, and is expected to expand to more regions soon [63]. Other M/F series devices like the Galaxy M36/F36 and M16 are also earmarked for the update shortly [64]. Samsung has shown a pattern of prioritizing its newest midrange models first (M54, A54, etc.), then cascading down to slightly older or lower-tier models (like A33, M34, etc.).
On the tablet front, Samsung’s latest flagship tablet Galaxy Tab S11 series actually launched with One UI 8 (Android 16) out of the box [65], demonstrating that Samsung’s 2025 tablets are in step with phones. However, for existing tablets that were on Android 15, the rollout is lagging a bit behind phones. As of Oct 8, users of the 2023 Galaxy Tab S9 series (Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra) were still awaiting the One UI 8 update – commenters on Samsung community forums noted their Tab S9 devices remained on One UI 7 (Android 15) as of early October [66] [67]. Samsung’s official schedule suggests tablets will get Android 16 slightly later in the cycle. The Galaxy Tab S8 series (2022 tablets) is on the list to be updated by November, but had not yet received One UI 8 by Oct 8 [68] [69]. Rugged devices like the Galaxy XCover 7 phone are similarly awaiting their turn [70]. These devices are expected to be part of the late-October push.
According to Samsung-focused news site SammyFans, “the company plans to upgrade all eligible devices worldwide by the month of November 2025.” [71] In fact, an official Samsung update roadmap in some regions (e.g. Samsung Turkey’s portal) indicates a completion target of end of November for the Android 16 rollout to all remaining models. To give an idea of scale, dozens of Galaxy models have already been updated in the span of a few weeks, and those left in queue are largely mid-tier phones from 2022–2023 and a few tablets. For example, as of October 8, the list of devices yet to receive One UI 8 included: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G; upper-midrange 2022 phones like Galaxy A73, A53, A33; a handful of budget 2023 phones like Galaxy A06; many region-specific models such as the Galaxy M56, M55s, M35, M34, M33, M16, M15 (M-series) and F56, F55, F54, F34, F17, F16, F15 (F-series); plus the tablet models Galaxy Tab S8 (all variants), Galaxy Tab A11, and Galaxy Tab Active5 5G [72] [73]. If your Samsung device is on that list, rest assured Samsung intends to push the update to it within the next few weeks. Rollouts often occur in waves per region/carrier, so some users might see the update sooner than others. By early November, virtually every Galaxy device eligible for Android 16 should have gotten it, fulfilling Samsung’s ambitious update schedule for 2025.
Samsung’s speed here represents a big improvement in firmware rollout efficiency. Last year’s One UI 7 (Android 15) rollout was notably slower – Samsung took longer to optimize that update, and it was considered one of the more delayed cycles [74]. With One UI 8, Samsung has bounced back on track, possibly aided by a more incremental nature of the update (fewer drastic changes means fewer bugs to squash). The company also seems motivated to finish the One UI 8 deployment promptly because it has other software projects in the pipeline (such as the upcoming One UI 8.5 and Android 17 testing). Overall, for Samsung users, the quick rollout means less waiting and the ability to enjoy Android 16’s features on a broad range of devices before the year’s end.
What’s Next: One UI 8.5 and Longer-Term Updates
With One UI 8.0 now in wide circulation, Samsung is already laying groundwork for the next iterative update: One UI 8.5. This will be a mid-cycle refresh still based on Android 16, expected to bring additional polish and new capabilities without requiring a full Android version jump. Reports suggest Samsung aims to begin a One UI 8.5 beta program by late November 2025 [75]. This beta will likely be limited to a handful of recent flagship models (similar to how Samsung traditionally beta-tests .5 or .1 updates on its latest S-series or Z-series phones). The goal is to test out new features and ensure stability, while the broad user base is already on the stable One UI 8.0.
One UI 8.5 is rumored to include more significant UI tweaks and AI-powered features, hinting that Samsung saved some of the bigger changes for this point release. For instance, leaks have pointed to a redesigned Phone app UI and more AI “smarts” integrated into the system – such as smarter notification summaries and automated suggestions (an “Uber suggestion” feature was mentioned in one leak, possibly helping users call a ride via AI) – though Samsung has not officially confirmed details. What we do know is that “the next version brings another round of UI refinements and optimizations, alongside a host of new features” on top of Android 16 [76]. One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series launch (Samsung’s 2026 flagship lineup) in the first quarter of 2026 [77]. The Galaxy S26 phones will ship with One UI 8.5 out of the box, showcasing Samsung’s latest software tricks on Android 16. Shortly after the S26 release, Samsung will begin rolling out One UI 8.5 to other models that it deems eligible.
A key question is which current devices will get One UI 8.5. Since One UI 8.5 is not a full OS upgrade, Samsung could choose to push it to many devices that got One UI 8.0, as long as they can handle the changes. For example, the Galaxy S23 and S24 series (which will still be well within their support windows in 2026) are almost certain to receive One UI 8.5 via an update, bringing them on par with the S26 software. Midrange phones like the Galaxy A54 or M54 might also get 8.5, especially since Samsung often includes mid-tier devices in .5 updates if they’re within a year of release. In fact, Samsung’s firmware team has indicated that even devices like the Galaxy M54 (launched with Android 13) are “eligible for… One UI 8.5”, meaning they expect to deliver that minor version in addition to future Android 17 for such models [78].
However, as discussed earlier, older flagship devices (like the S22 series) are in a gray area for One UI 8.5. Samsung’s official guidance hasn’t explicitly promised One UI 8.5 to the S22. And according to an Android update roadmap cited by ExtremeTech, “older flagships will not be in the list of devices eligible for One UI 8.5.” [79] This implies that Samsung might skip the 8.5 update for any phone that has already reached its final Android OS version (which includes the S22 family and possibly older ones like Fold/Flip 4 from 2022). The rationale could be that Samsung wants to encourage upgrades to newer models for the very latest features, or simply that it prioritizes resources for devices that still have new Android versions ahead of them. On the flip side, Samsung has delivered mid-cycle One UI updates (like One UI 5.1, 5.1.1 in the past) even to devices on their last OS, as long as they were still in the support period. For example, the Galaxy S20 got One UI 3.1 back in the day after its final OS (Android 11) update. So it’s not unprecedented that S22 could get One UI 8.5 – it just isn’t guaranteed by policy. For now, S22 users should watch for any news in early 2026; if Samsung chooses to include them, the update would likely drop after the S26 launch.
Beyond One UI 8.5, Samsung’s development will move on to Android 17 with One UI 9 later in 2026. Devices like the Galaxy S23, S24, etc., will be in line for that next major jump. For the Galaxy S22 and its contemporaries, Android 16 will remain the final station. It underscores a broader trend: Samsung, like the rest of the industry, is grappling with how long to support devices as Google extends Android support timelines. The good news for consumers is that Samsung’s pace and breadth of updates are the best they’ve ever been – millions of Galaxy users are enjoying Android 16 and One UI 8 features just weeks after Google’s Pixel release, and well ahead of many rival brands’ schedules [80]. The quick One UI 8 rollout and the prospective One UI 8.5 update cycle demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to keeping its ecosystem up-to-date.
Bottom Line: If you own a Samsung Galaxy device from the past few years, there’s a very strong chance you either have the One UI 8 (Android 16) update already or will receive it by November. This final Android 16 update is especially meaningful for Galaxy S22 series owners, as it marks the satisfying conclusion of Samsung’s promised support – giving those phones one last infusion of new features and performance boosts. And while it may be the end of an era for the S22 in terms of big updates, Samsung is already gearing up for the next chapter (One UI 8.5 and beyond) for the Galaxy lineup. For a company once criticized for slow updates, Samsung’s recent software push has turned things around, delivering timely Android upgrades and even beating some 2025 phones to the punch. So, enjoy the new One UI 8 features on your Galaxy device, and rest assured that Samsung’s update train isn’t stopping here – it’s only picking up speed.
Sources: Samsung Mobile Press; SamMobile [81] [82]; 9to5Google [83] [84]; Samsung Magazine Europe [85] [86]; SammyFans [87] [88]; SammyGuru [89] [90]; Android Authority via ExtremeTech [91] [92]; Samsung community forums and news sites.
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