Samsung’s One UI is known to add useful features, smart options, and Samsung’s own design style. In mid-2025, Samsung launched One UI 8. It is based on Android 16. It first came to phones like the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. Later, it was rolled out to the Galaxy S25 series in September 2025.
Now, Samsung is working on the next update called One UI 8.5. It is also based on Android 16. This update is expected to be bigger and better than earlier updates. We can see better visuals, more customisations, better privacy, and AI tools.
The stable version of One UI 8.5 has not released yet. The beta program started on December 8, 2025. It mainly started for the Galaxy S25 series. By mid-January 2026, Samsung has released Beta 3. It includes the January 2026 security patch. This beta fixes problems like battery drain, lag in the Gallery app, lock-screen clock issues, and more. The recent betas focus on animations, easier use, Quick Panel options, and camera features. Beta 4 may arrive soon, possibly in late January 2026. Let’s check out:
What We Know So Far About OneUI 8.5?
Samsung has not officially announced One UI 8.5 yet. Many leaks show what it might include. One UI 8.5 is expected to be a mid-year update, not a full new version. But it will add new features, design improvements, and better AI tools.
People expect One UI 8.5 to first appear on the Galaxy S26 series. After that, it may roll out to other Samsung phones depending on Samsung’s update policy. In this guide, you’ll learn about the expected release date, features, and eligible devices.
Top Features Of Samsung One UI 8.5
Let me show you all the top features of the Samsung One UI 8.5 that you will like. Here are the top features of Samsung One UI 8.5:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Data Intelligence & Network Optimizations | AI analyses usage patterns and manages apps/data; Intelligent Network Switch handles Wi-Fi/data fallback |
| Redesigned Quick Settings & Widgets | Fully customisable, edge-to-edge design, faster access |
| Enhanced Galaxy AI & Machine Learning | Smarter suggestions, better notifications, potential Bixby upgrades |
| Privacy Display & Security Tools | Side-angle screen privacy, stronger content protection |
| Visual & Animation Polish | New effects, smoother interactions, refreshed design |
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Samsung One UI 8.5 Release Date: When Will It Launch?
Samsung is testing its new software One UI 8.5. The rollout will happen in different stages. Here’s the easy breakdown:
| Update Stage | Date / Period | Devices / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (Active) | Beta 3: Jan 5, 2026 | US, UK, South Korea, Germany, India, Poland | Feedback collected via Samsung Members app; fixes bugs and improves performance |
| Stable Release (First) | Late Feb 2026 | Galaxy S26 series (pre-installed) | Likely around Unpacked event (Feb 25 to 26, 2026) |
| Flagship Phones | Mar–Apr 2026 | Galaxy S25 series, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, recent models | Gradual rollout to flagship devices |
| Older & Mid-Range Phones | Q2 2026 | 100+ devices including S24/S23 series, A-series, Tabs | Expected faster rollout than usual; covers wide range of devices |
Also Read: What’s New In Apple iPhone 17 Pro Camera Setup: Specs And Features!
Samsung One UI 8.5 Eligible Devices: Full List
Here are all the devices that will be eligible for the Samsung One UI 8.5 upgrade:
| Series | Eligible Devices |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S Series | S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra (pre-installed), S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra / S25 Edge / S25 FE, S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra / S24 FE, S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE, S22 series (limited) |
| Galaxy Z Series | Z Fold8, Z Fold7, Z Fold6, Z Fold5; Z Flip8, Z Flip7, Z Flip6, Z Flip5 |
| Galaxy A Series | A56, A36, A26; A55, A35, A25 (5G), plus many other mid-range models |
| Galaxy M / F / Tab / Others | Select M / F series; Tab S11 / S10 / S9 / S8 series; Tab A models; XCover series (e.g., XCover7 Pro); Galaxy Watch (Wear OS) models like Watch7 / Watch6 series |
End Note
Samsung One UI 8.5 is here to make the stage change for OS upgrades. In the era where OS upgrades are bringing their A game forward, and the best upgrades in terms of both UI and AI are being made, One UI 8.5 will mark its name forward. Let’s see whether it moves ahead of its competitors, and makes Samsung phones the best OS holders, or the showstoppers become showfloppers in front of the audience. Keep coming for more such upgrades.
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