Samsung One UI 8.5
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update will launch early next year with the Galaxy S26 series. On December 8, Samsung officially revealed One UI 8.5 on the Beta channel for the Galaxy S25 series.
This post, updated today on December 26, will be kept updated with the latest content when a credible and useful input appears.
Samsung is working on an Android 16-based One UI 8.5 version. This mid-cycle update is shaping up to be a game-changer, debuting with the Galaxy S26 lineup in 2026, skipping the usual One UI x.1 and x.1.1 updates.
Samsung One UI 8.5
Let’s dive into everything we know so far – release timeline, devices that’ll get it, cool new features, and the hottest news straight from the rumor mill.
In late July, leaked firmware of the Galaxy S26 Ultra confirmed that the next One UI version will be One UI 8.5, based on Android 16. Samsung has reverted to the legacy naming: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra for the 2026 lineup.
Release Date
In early December, Samsung confirmed for the first time that the One UI 8.5 will officially release with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. The Beta Program was started on December 8 in six countries, following previous testing.
For older devices, the rollout might kick off two or three months after the stable release, maybe in May 2026. Samsung’s been stepping up its update game lately, as One UI 8.5 Beta is already rolling out to devices like the S25 series.
Eligible Devices
Since One UI 8, also based on Android 16, was rolled out with Samsung’s latest foldables this summer, the upcoming One UI 8.5 feels like a refined follow-up. I’m excited to see how fast the company pushes this one out!
Here’s a projected list of devices expected to receive One UI 8.5, based on current leaks and Samsung’s update commitments:
Galaxy S Series:
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21 FE
Galaxy Z Series:
- Galaxy Z TriFold, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip7 FE, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
Galaxy Tab Series:
- Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S10 Plus, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra.
Galaxy A Series:
- Galaxy A56, A55, A36, A35, and plenty of other Galaxy A phones.

Source – Samsung
While Public Beta has very limited availability, the internal testing has been expanded to plenty of newer and older Samsung phones.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7
- Galaxy S25 Edge
- Galaxy S25 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra
- Galaxy A17 LTE/5G
- Galaxy A56
- Galaxy A36
- Galaxy A26
- Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy A55
Apart from this, Samsung is also working on One UI 8.5 firmware for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, A37, and A57.
Features
Here’s what’s trending among Samsung fans:
5 Features in One UI 8.5 that will make Samsung Galaxy users obsessed
- Customizable Control Panel
- Redesigned Apps for a Cleaner Look
- Enhanced Samsung DeX
- Direct Voicemail
- AI-Powered Image Editing

Design language:
After the July Unpacked, Samsung’s Yang stated that Samsung will “continue to align the GUI (Graphic User Interface) with the underlying style of the product for future releases, too.” Although Yang’s statement didn’t mention One UI 8.5 or the Galaxy S26 series, design deployment is indeed planned for these two upcoming products.

Image via @thatjoshguy69 (x)
Galaxy AI:
One UI 8 is bringing AI goodies, and One UI 8.5 might take it up a notch, especially for the S26 series with its modern Exynos and Snapdragon chips. I’m hoping for smarter photo editing and AI-powered functionalities so iPhones may feel outdated.
Customization:
Android 16 is all about flexibility wth Material 3 Expressive, and Samsung might lean into that with new lock screen widgets, slicker themes, or better ways to tweak your home screen. I’m hungry for personalization features, so this one has got me excited.
Smoother Vibes:
One UI 8 already feels snappy even in Beta, with smoother animations. Early Geekbench scores for Galaxy devices running One UI 8 are promising, and One UI 8.5 could make your phone feel like new; fingers crossed for zero lag!
Foldable-optimized UI:
With the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 launching on One UI 8, I’m betting the One UI 8.5 will fine-tune multitasking for foldables. An earlier leak mentioned a bigger cover display on the Z Flip 7, so maybe we will see UI tweaks to make it shine.
Security Boosts:
Google’s Android 16 update has got cool stuff like post-theft lockdown, and Samsung is likely to double down with its own Knox-powered features. Privacy is a big deal, and I’m curious to see what the Galaxy maker adds here.
Navigation Picker:
Samsung could bring a Navigation Picker to the One UI 8.5 setup experience. Galaxy users will be able to choose their preferred navigation right from the initial setup between Swipe Gesture and 3-button navigation.
Here’s the complete changelog
Galaxy AI
Continue Image Generation
Now you can keep working without interruption. When you use AI to create images in Photo Assist, you don’t need to save each version of your work separately. Additionally, you can check all generated images anytime through the history.
Connectivity
Storage Sharing
You can access files on other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs directly from the My Files app on your phone. You can also open your phone’s files on other Samsung devices, such as TVs.
Faster Connection to Smart View Devices
Connect faster to the displays you use frequently. You can add a shortcut to your Home screen to immediately mirror your phone screen to a TV or other display.
Auracast Menu Integration
Audio broadcast settings have been unified, making it more convenient to listen to other people’s Auracast broadcasts and to start your own. Check and use all broadcast-related settings in one place.
Broadcast with Your Voice
In addition to sharing your phone’s media sound with people around you, you can now broadcast directly with your own voice. Use your phone’s built-in microphone to broadcast clearly.
Quick Share
Receive Shares Only from Your Devices
You can set up Quick Share to only allow file transfers from devices logged in with your Samsung or Google account.
Recommended Devices for Sharing
You can find recipients quickly. When sharing photos with family or friends, the feature recognizes the people in the photos and recommends recipients to share the files with.
Home and Lock Screen
Automatic Lock Screen Configuration
When using a photo of a person or pet as your wallpaper, the screen will be configured with an optimal layout. The clock and widgets on the Lock screen will be automatically placed to harmonize well with the selected background photo.
Clock with Enhanced Customization Options
The Lock screen clock has been improved to allow for more diverse decoration. Adjust the font weight directly to match your background image.
Weather
Improved Weather Widget
You can quickly check the probability of precipitation on the Home screen’s Weather widget. A graph will be displayed on the widget when there is a chance of rain within the next few hours.
Pollen Index
New pollen index information has been added. Check the index for trees, grass, and ragweed to effectively manage your allergies.
Clock
Weather Alarm Background
Start your day by checking the weather. When your alarm goes off, the background will show the current weather.
Time Zone Conversion
Comparing multiple time zones at once has been improved. You can intuitively check the time difference between various cities using a slider in the Clock app.
Samsung Health
Weekly Report for Comprehensive Health
Check your weekly changes with various data. Now, medication intake and mindfulness data are also available in the weekly report.
Upgraded Sharing Experience
You can add your personal touch when sharing your workout records. Utilize your photos and workout records from your exercise to create the perfect image for social media.
Meditate with Your Watch
You can now start meditation directly on your Galaxy Watch. Begin your favorite or recommended meditation sessions instantly from both your phone and your watch.
Antioxidant Measurement Anytime on Watch
The ability to measure your antioxidant index directly on your Galaxy Watch, even when it is not connected to your phone, has been improved. This feature is available on the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Security and Privacy
Stolen Device Protection
To protect your information more securely, turn on the failed authentication lock feature in case your phone is lost or stolen. If too many failed attempts are made to unlock the screen using a fingerprint, PIN, pattern, or password, the screen will lock automatically. Additionally, many more settings are now protected by an identity verification feature, strengthening security.
Temporarily Disable Auto Blocker
If you need to temporarily turn off the Auto Blocker feature, you can set it to automatically re-enable after 30 minutes. Set it to turn on automatically, even if you don’t manually re-enable it, to keep your device safe from security threats.
Battery and Power
Improved Battery Information Screen
The screen for checking battery usage information has been improved for efficiency. You can easily view battery level, charging status, battery protection options, and daily usage for the last week/current week all on a single screen.
Enhanced Power Saving Mode
Turning on Power Saving mode can extend battery life. In the Basic Power Saving mode, you can customize the items to be restricted to increase battery life, and selecting Ultra Power Saving mode maximizes available battery time by turning off non-essential functions.
Accessibility
Easy Control of Bluetooth Hearing Aids
You can now access Bluetooth hearing aid settings directly through the Accessibility shortcut. Quickly change various settings, such as switching hearing aid programs or toggling the Amplify ambient sound feature on/off, from the pop-up.
Enhanced Magnification Experience with Mouse/Keyboard
The display of the magnified area has been improved for stability when using a mouse or keyboard. When changing focus with the keyboard, the magnified area can be set to follow the cursor input or movement. When using a mouse, the magnified area can also be set to follow the pointer when it moves to the edge of the screen.
Automatic Action After Pointer Stops/Corner Actions
The “Automatic Action After Pointer Stops” feature has been separated into two distinct options, allowing for appropriate use depending on the situation. “Automatic Action After Pointer Stops” allows a user-defined action to be performed when the mouse remains still for a specific amount of time. “Corner Actions” allows a separate action to be set for each corner of the screen.
Other Enhanced Features
Quick Settings Panel Editing
Editing the Quick Settings panel is now more flexible. You can arrange each item to your desired position: adding necessary items, deleting infrequently used ones, and moving frequently used ones to the front.
Get Reminders Quickly
Set pre-notifications for reminders so you don’t miss important things. You can select the time you want to receive a pre-notification for each reminder.
Partial Screen Recording
Instead of the entire screen, you can adjust the recording area size to only include the desired region. Record only the parts you need.
Quick Formula Input with Recommendations
The functionality has been enhanced to make calculations faster and simpler. When you open the Calculator, it recommends numbers and formulas saved in the clipboard for immediate input.
Save Window Size and Position in DeX
The window size and position for each app are now saved. The next time you open the same app in DeX, it will open at the same location and with the same size as it was last used.
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