Samsung has reportedly commenced Android 16-based One UI 8 testing for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The first ever Android 16 build has been surfaced on Samsung’s firmware server, suggesting an early debut of the next One UI version. An alleged Android 16 firmware has been listed on CheckFirm (via TarunVats) for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That said, Samsung kicked off its work on the One UI 8 operating system for the latest flagship nearly two months earlier than usual. Galaxy S25 Ultra’s latest official firmware ends with AYB4, while the test build has been uploaded as BYC1. The switch from A to B refers to a major One UI upgrade that is highly likely to be the Android 16-based One UI 8. There were rumors that the One UI 8 would not be delayed like the One UI 7. The Korean tech giant hasn’t yet started the Stable One UI 7 rollout. The company has only confirmed that the distribution is scheduled to start in April 2025.
Do note that it isn’t a public Beta build which contains Z at software mark. It could probably be a stock Android 16 build installed with minimal changes on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As the development progresses, the server will fetch more builds. While the One UI 8 testing has started early, it doesn’t just guarantee an advanced schedule for consumers too. Samsung will take its time refining the new operating system for Galaxy devices without dropping the firmware in a hurry.
