One UI 8 update rolling out to Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 in Kenya

After watching the flagship Galaxy S25 and Z series have all the fun, Samsung is now spreading the love to its superstar mid-rangers. That’s right, the massive One UI 8 update, built on the fresh-out-the-oven Android 16, has officially started landing on Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 devices across Kenya!

Kenyan users are beginning to see Over-The-Air (OTA) notifications popping up on their screens. A quick peek at Samsung’s firmware servers shows the new builds were uploaded just yesterday, September 29th, so the party is just getting started and the rollout will continue all week.

So, what are you getting? Grab some Wi-Fi (you’ll need it!) because this is a hefty 2.3GB download packed with all the One UI 8 and Android 16 goodies you can handle. Plus, Samsung is tossing in the latest September 2025 security patch to keep your device buttoned up and secure.

Curious about what new tricks your phone is about to learn? We’ve got the full, official changelog, and it’s a long one!

Personalization and productivity

• Fresh wallpapers: Dive into a new collection of beautiful wallpapers, including interactive gradients that change over time.
• Stock prices on your lock screen: Keep an eye on your investments without even unlocking your phone! Big price changes from Google Finance will now pop up on your “Now bar.”
• Quick Share made simple: Sharing files is now a breeze. A new Quick Share button in your quick settings lets you send and receive files instantly.
• Sticky Notes for documents: Scribble quick notes directly on top of your documents in Samsung Notes without messing up the original file.
• Find downloads faster: No more endless scrolling! My Files now lets you filter downloads by the app that saved them.
• Crunch numbers in portrait mode: Finally! The scientific calculator now works in portrait view, so you can solve complex equations without having to rotate your screen.

Mastering multitasking, reminders and your calendar

• Enhanced split screen: You can now push one app to the side in split-screen view, keeping it partially visible while you focus on the main app. Just tap to switch!
• A brand new Reminder app: The app has been redesigned with categories at the top, making it super easy to see what’s on your plate. You can even explore new sample templates to get organized.
• Manage reminders in Calendar: You can now create and even drag-and-drop reminders directly within the Calendar app. It also gives you smart suggestions for event names and times based on your habits!

Level up your health game with Samsung Health

• Your personal running coach: Get personalized training programs to help you run faster and farther, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. (Requires Galaxy Watch 7 or higher).
• Bedtime guidance: The app analyzes your sleep data and recommends the perfect time to hit the hay for a refreshing morning.
• Challenge your friends: It’s not just about steps anymore. You can now challenge your friends to running competitions!
• Track your antioxidants and vascular load: Get deeper health insights by measuring the carotenoids in your skin and the stress on your blood vessels. (Requires Galaxy Watch 8 or Ultra).

More awesome improvements across the board

• Quick camera controls: A simple swipe up or down on the camera preview now opens up your quick controls for faster adjustments.
• Easy Auracast connections: Connecting to Auracast audio broadcasts is as simple as scanning a QR code.
• Live Call Captions: See a real-time transcript of what everyone is saying during a phone call so you never miss a word.
• Enhanced Secure Folder: Your Secure Folder is now even more private, with options to automatically close apps and hide it completely.
• Better Routine actions: Modes and Routines get even smarter with new actions that can pull data from your Clock, Calendar, and Samsung Notes.
• Revamped weather visuals: The Weather app gets a beautiful makeover with more realistic and intuitive graphics to show you exactly what it looks like outside.

How to get your update

Can’t wait to jump in? If the notification hasn’t hit your phone yet, you can manually check for it. Just head over to Settings > Software update > Download and install

Remember, this is a phased rollout, so if you don’t see it immediately, don’t panic! Just check back in a few hours or tomorrow.

If you’re holding a Galaxy A55 or A35, your turn is coming soon! While the A56 and A36 are getting the spotlight today, all indicators the previous generation is next on the list. Keep an eye out for your One UI 8 update, which is expected to arrive sometime in mid-to-late October.

Have you received the One UI 8 update on your Galaxy A56 or A36? Let us know what you think of the new features!

Thanks for the screenshots, Tony Gaya!