This summer, Samsung is opening a new chapter in the development of its mobile software. Alongside the launch of the next generation of foldable smartphones will be the debut of One UI 8, the latest version of the Galaxy interface, which not only introduces multi-modal artificial intelligence, but also heralds a whole new pace of updates and development for the platform.
At the centre of this release is an AI agent – the first in the Galaxy ecosystem that works not just textually, but understands visual and voice context. This means the smartphone ‘knows’ what the user is watching, hearing or doing – and can suggest appropriate actions based on this. Samsung calls this intelligent multimodality, which could in time become the primary way to operate the device.
One UI 8 is not only a new layer of software, but also demonstrates the growing importance of personalisation and integration in the mobile world. The interface not only adapts to different screens – from phones to tablets and laptops – but also contextually suggests solutions based on the user’s lifestyle. Features such as Now Bar and Now Brief foreshadow the direction in which AI is becoming an everyday assistant – non-invasive but effective.
It is also significant that One UI 8 will debut in parallel with Android 16, the result of a close collaboration with Google which, although invisible to the user, is really accelerating the development of system features. It is Samsung, drawing on its own experience with DeX or the Quick Share interface, that co-creates solutions that later find their way into the entire Android ecosystem.
From a market perspective, One UI 8 could become for Samsung what the introduction of Dynamic Island mode was for Apple – not only a new idea for interaction, but also a tool to stand out in the crowd. The difference is that Galaxy AI has ambitions to become a platform – available on multiple devices, supported by APIs, and constantly updated.
However, it is worth remembering that any data-driven personalisation raises questions about privacy. Samsung is responding to this by introducing new privacy settings and local data processing within the Knox Vault – but it is the market that will verify whether users are ready to trust this new era of mobile AI.
One thing is certain – One UI 8 is a harbinger of more responsive, integrated and ‘compassionate’ technology. And for Samsung, a chance to turn its software into a key competitive advantage.
