Development on Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ has already started, and it looks like we may see the company launch a beta program for the Oreo update soon. We’ve come across newer Oreo firmware versions for both devices: G950FXXE1ZQI7 and G955FXXU1ZQI7. See the letter ‘Z’ in the firmware version? Well, Samsung uses the letter Z for test firmware, and it was also seen on the beta Nougat releases for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge last year.

That’s all the info we have right now, so there’s no telling exactly when the first Galaxy S8 Oreo beta update will hit and what markets it will be made available in. With Oreo, Google has made the necessary changes in the form of Project Treble to help manufacturers release major software updates quicker than was possible before. But, Samsung’s Android skin is among the heaviest out there in terms of features and overall customization, so it remains to be seen if Project Treble will truly be useful as far as Oreo for Samsung devices is concerned. However, given Samsung is now concurrently releasing software updates for its 2017 flagships across many countries, we should see the same happen with Oreo.

Naturally, the Galaxy Note 8 will also be receiving the Oreo update, although the Galaxy S8 is no doubt going to be first in line. We’ll let you know once the Oreo beta program for the Galaxy S8 begins; if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out our regularly updated list of Samsung devices that should be getting an update to Android 8.0 Oreo.