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.
Latest Update 2026 : One UI 8.5 is Now Officially Launched
We wrote this article when One UI 8.5 was in beta stage, but that is no longer the case. Samsung has officially launched One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked in February 2026. The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra come with pre-installed One UI 8.5. Besides, Samsung has also confirmed that the stable builds for older devices will begin rolling out in March 2026.
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 |
Also Read: The New Telegram Update Will Blow Your Mind- 10 Features You Must Try
New Galaxy AI Features You’ll Use in 2026
Here are some more One UI 8.5 AI features that you can use in 2026.
Call Screening
Galaxy AI can now screen your calls automatically. It asks the caller who they’re and why they’re calling. Then gives you that context. You can either pick up the call, respond via text, or let AI handle the conversation entirely.
Smarter Screenshots
The Samsung Gallery app now automatically sorts screenshots into categories such as receipts, tickets, directions, coupons, etc. You don’t need to scroll through hundreds of screenshots to find one image.
AI Photo Editing
Now, you can edit photos using simple text prompts like Google Photo’s Help Me Edit feature. All you need to do is type what you want to change, and the AI handles the edits.
Now Nudge
This new feature pulls information from your other apps and offers smart response suggestions in real time.
Privacy Protection
A brand new Privacy Protection feature automatically blurs sensitive parts of a document when you share it with others. It is great for sharing screenshots of bills, bank statements, or personal IDs.
A Completely New Bixby: The Biggest Change of 2026
Samsung has redesigned Bixby to work as a conversational device agent. Users can now control their phone using natural language. You don’t need to remember exact setting names or commands. The bigger addition is a new AI partner – Perplexity and Gemini.
It clearly means that now you have two different and powerful AI assistants available. Each one is suitable for different tasks. Gemini handles your general queries, while Perplexity focuses on real-time web searches and deeper research.
Perplexity can also help with tasks inside system apps like Notes, Gallery, and Reminders. You can consider it as a smarter assistant that actually understands what you’re doing on your phone, not just what you say to it.
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 |
What does this Latest One UI 8.5 Mean for Older Samsung Phones?
If you own an older Galaxy device, here is what you need to know. One UI 8.5 will be the last major update for the Galaxy S22 series. It is because Samsung’s older update policy covered four years of major Android updates, and the S22 has now reached that limit.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and S24, along with Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, are expected to receive the stable update by the start of Q2 2026. The Galaxy S23 series and Z Fold/Flip 5 will follow in May 2026. Budget devices might receive it by the end of May. The full rollout is expected by June 2026.
Samsung continues to fulfil its promise of 7 years of updates for recent models. It means devices released in 2023 will remain supported untill 2030. So, buyers who are planning to choose between Android phones, this long-term software commitment remains one of Samsung’s strongest selling points.
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.
FAQs – Samsung One UI 8.5
What is Samsung One UI 8.5, and is it officially released?
Yes, One UI 8.5 is officially released. Samsung announced the stable version of One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series at Unpacked in February 2026. It is based on Android 16 and brings AI upgrades, a redesigned Quick Panel, and a more conversational Bixby.
Which Samsung phones will get the One UI 8.5 update?
Samsung is expected to deliver One UI 8.5 to nearly 100 Galaxy smartphones and tablets in 2026. This includes the S25, S24, S23, S22 series, Z Fold and Z Flip devices (Fold 5 onwards), and many Galaxy A, M, and F series mid-range models.
When will older Samsung phones receive the One UI 8.5 update?
Galaxy S25 and S24 series, along with Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, are expected to get One UI 8.5 by Q2 2026. The Galaxy S23 series and Z Fold 5/Flip 5 will follow in May 2026. However, full rollout is expected by the end of June 2026.
What are the biggest new features in One UI 8.5?
The biggest new features in One UI 8.5 are:
- Fully customisable Quick Settings
- iOS-style notification summaries
- Automatic screenshot organisation in Gallery
- A new Finder shortcut on the homescreen
- Now Nudge for contextual response suggestions
- A more conversational Bixby with Perplexity integration
Is the Galaxy S22 getting One UI 8.5?
Yes, but it will be the last major update for that series. One UI 8.5 marks the end of the road for the Galaxy S22 series, as these devices fall under Samsung’s older policy of four years of major Android updates.
What is Perplexity’s role in One UI 8.5?
Perplexity has been added to One UI 8.5 for more complex tasks that require web searches or assistance within system apps like Notes, Gallery, and Reminders. It works alongside Bixby and Gemini as a third AI option for Galaxy users.
What is the difference between One UI 8 and One UI 8.5?
One UI 8 launched in mid-2025 and was the first update based on Android 16. One UI 8.5 uses a newer Android 16 QPR2 build. It allows Samsung to include deeper system-level features, including Perplexity integration, a redesigned Quick Panel, Privacy Protection for shared images, and more Galaxy AI tools. You can consider it as One UI 8 with a significant feature boost.
Will One UI 9 come after One UI 8.5?
Samsung is expected to introduce One UI 9 in the second half of 2026, likely with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 around July 2026. One UI 9 will be based on Android 17, while One UI 8.5 remains on Android 16.
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