Samsung recently announced its brand new One UI interface based on Android 9.0 Pie at its Developer Conference. At the time, it only confirmed that the Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy S9+ would receive the revamped software.
This led to rumors that the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8, and Galaxy S8+ wouldn’t get access to One UI. These rumors appear to be unfounded though, since Samsung has confirmed to Android Authority that the trio will also get the new skin.
Samsung Open Beta Program For Android Pie
Samsung has announced an open beta program for the Android 9.0 Pie/One UI update. It’s due to arrive this month, but the company hasn’t announced when exactly testing will begin. AllAboutSamsung claims the program is going to start on November 15 in the US, South Korea, and Germany. Other Asian and European regions will receive it later.
Once it arrives, anyone with a Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 can join the beta by downloading the Samsung+ (US) or Samsung Members app, heading to Notices, and tapping on “One UI Beta Program Registration.” They’ll have to fill up an application and wait for approval. Once they get it, they have to go to Settings > Update Software > Download Updates Manually.
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It’s not clear if the Pie beta will eventually open up to Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Galaxy Note 8 owners in the future. It’s possible Samsung will keep it restricted to the 9 series and just roll out a finished version to the 8 lineup.
The Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 will get the stable One UI update in January. The Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Galaxy Note 8 will probably receive it after that. The skin introduces a whole new look to the devices, featuring rounded corners and easily accessible content in the lower half of the screen.