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Samsung Initiates One UI 8.5 Rollout for Galaxy Devices

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Samsung One UI 8.5 Now Rolling Out: New Features, Security & Device List

Samsung has commenced the stable rollout of its One UI 8.5 software update for select Galaxy devices, following an extended beta testing period. The update introduces new security and communication features, along with visual interface tweaks. The rollout and beta program are expanding across multiple device models and geographic regions.

Stable Release Timeline

Samsung began the stable rollout of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 series in South Korea on May 6, 2026. According to regional announcements, a broader global release is scheduled for May 11, 2026, in regions including Europe, Hong Kong, India, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan.

Other reports indicate the rollout commenced for US carriers in late April 2026.

The update is being distributed first to the Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy S25 Edge, followed by the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Tab S10 lineups. The update is expected to reach most devices within one to two weeks, with further devices and regions to be added later.

Beta Program Details

The beta program for One UI 8.5 began with the Galaxy S25 series and has since expanded. As of April 2026, the beta program is available for the following devices in specific markets:

  • Galaxy S24 Series and Galaxy S23 Series: Available in India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States
  • Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5: Beta registration available in South Korea and the United States
  • Galaxy A36 5G: Users in India have received the first One UI 8.5 beta update

The beta program involved at least 10 releases since December 8, 2025. The duration of the beta period has been reported as either four months or over five months, depending on the source.

Software Features and Changes

One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 QPR2 (SDK 36.1). Key features reported include:

  • Security: Theft Protection, Failed Authentication Lock, Identity Check, Auto Blocker, and Inactivity Restart
  • Connectivity: Integration of Google's AirDrop functionality for secure file sharing with Apple devices
  • Interface: A "glassy" UI redesign and a floating tab bar
  • AI and Utilities: A Perplexity-powered Bixby assistant, a "Now Nudge" feature, and new Galaxy AI communication and creative tools
  • Fixes: Resolution of lock screen and Bluetooth issues
  • Camera: Camera upgrades

Security Updates

The One UI 8.5 update includes April's security patch, which contains 14 critical fixes. One of these patches addresses a vulnerability in Android that, according to reports, could leave phones open to attack. Samsung is also distributing this security update separately for devices running the standard One UI 8 release.

Eligible Devices and Rollout Status

Devices Receiving One UI 8.5 (As of May 23, 2026)

The stable update is active on a range of devices, including:

  • Galaxy S25, S24, S23 series
  • Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7
  • Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S10
  • Galaxy A36, A56

The Galaxy S22 series is scheduled to receive the update starting May 26, 2026.

End of OS Upgrade Support

One UI 8.5 is the final major OS update for several device lines, including:

  • Galaxy S22 series
  • Galaxy S21 FE
  • Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4

These devices will continue to receive security patches. For the Galaxy S22 series, security patch support is reported to extend until February 2027.

Samsung's "Awesome Intelligence" Branding

For devices in the Galaxy A, F, and M series from the last three generations, features from the update are distributed under the "Awesome Intelligence" label. Feature availability depends on the specific model and region.

Context: Update Pace

Multiple sources note that the One UI 8.5 beta period was longer than some previous Samsung update cycles. A comparison source reports that a similar delay occurred with the One UI 7 update in 2025. Samsung's pace of releasing Android updates has been described by some outlets as generally fast, while others note that the company has faced criticism for being slower than Google in delivering updates.