One UI 8 Gives Samsung Users The First Taste Of Android 16's 90:10 Split Screen Upgrade

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Summary

Samsung has launched its Android 16-based One UI 8 beta program for Galaxy S25 users, offering an early look at new features.
A key highlight of the beta is an enhanced multitasking experience featuring a 90:10 split-screen view with a quick app-swapping mechanism, similar to OnePlus’ implementation and a feature Google is also testing for Android 16.
The One UI 8 stable update will likely also include other anticipated updates like UI refinements, a Private Album in Gallery, an audio Now Brief, and a DeX redesign, with the stable release expected to debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7.

Samsung’s Android 16-based One UI 8 beta is available to try out today, provided that you own the South Korean tech giant’s latest S-series flagship.

Even though we knew that the update would come earlier than usual, the expedited rollout, especially after the delays One UI 7 faced, is a pleasant surprise.

The beta program will slowly expand to other eligible Samsung devices, though the OS skin will first debut in stable on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 this summer.

From what we already know, we’re expecting One UI 8 to offer iterative UI refinements, a dedicated ‘Private Album’ feature to Samsung Gallery, an audio version of One UI 7’s Now Brief, a DeX redesign, and a lot more. Now, beta users are also getting an early taste of enhanced smartphone multitasking with the introduction of an extreme split-screen view — a feature that Google has also been actively testing, but is yet to roll out to Pixel users running the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta.

Borrowing OnePlus’ idea

As highlighted by the One UI 8 changelog (via Android Authority), those running the new beta can now use an extreme 90:10 split screen view. The ratio essentially allows one app to dominate 90 percent of your phone’s display, with a different app relegated to cover only the remaining 10 percent.

At first glance, this might sound counterproductive. However, the implementation, similar to what Google is working on for Android 16, offers a handy shortcut for swapping between the two split screen apps. Sound familiar? That’s because OnePlus already offers this functionality with Oxygen OS 15.

Enhanced split screen view: While 2 apps are open in split screen view, you can push one app against the edge of the screen to keep it partially visible while giving most of your focus to other app. Tap the smaller app any time to switch between them quickly.

Currently, most Android smartphone users are limited to either a 50:50 or a 70:30 split screen split. 50:50 is okay, but half a screen just isn’t enough for either app to feel truly comfortable. 70:30 is better if you’re primarily using one app while glancing at the other.

The new 90:10 ratio, albeit extreme, allows you to use the primary app seamlessly, while keeping the secondary app accessible for quick swapping. This is done by simply tapping on the app taking up 10 percent of the screen, essentially switching the two apps’ screen allocation.

Here’s what that looks like on a OnePlus 12R: