Samsung One UI 8.5 Update: Release Date, New Features, and Full Eligible Device List
While the version number suggests a mere incremental update, Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8.5 appears to be one of the most substantial mid-cycle releases in the company’s history. Analysis of recent beta builds reveals that this is not simply a bug-fix patch for One UI 8.0; rather, it represents a significant refinement of the user experience, bringing extensive visual redesigns, deeper ecosystem integration, and robust security enhancements.
With the latest beta versions reportedly free of critical bugs, Samsung appears poised for a public launch. Here is everything you need to know about the rollout timeline, new features, and the comprehensive list of supported devices.
Debut Alongside the Galaxy S26
It is all but confirmed that One UI 8.5 will make its commercial debut alongside Samsung’s next flagship lineup, the Galaxy S26 series. While Samsung has yet to issue official invitations, industry leaks point toward February 26 as the likely date for the next Galaxy Unpacked event.
Following the flagship launch, the update will begin cascading down to older models. The immediate beneficiaries will be recent premium devices like the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7. However, there is promising news for mid-range users as well: firmware testing has been spotted on various Galaxy A-series devices earlier than usual, suggesting Samsung aims to shorten the traditional waiting period for its budget-friendly lineup.
A New Visual Identity: “Liquid Glass” Aesthetics
The most striking aspect of One UI 8.5 is its aesthetic shift. Samsung is introducing a subtle 3D effect to app icons, while the interface itself draws inspiration from a design language described as “Liquid Glass.”
Users can expect floating UI elements, softer shadows, and sophisticated frosted glass effects. Unlike competitors who often prioritize simple transparency, Samsung’s implementation emphasizes depth of field, creating a layered, modernized look throughout the system.
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Revamped Quick Panel: The split Quick Panel introduced in version 8.0 now offers granular control. Users can adjust the layout of every toggle and slider, and scrolling is now edge-to-edge, eliminating wasted negative space.
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Dynamic Weather: The lock screen will feature AI-generated dynamic weather animations. Additionally, alarms will now display real-time weather conditions on-screen while ringing.
Productivity and Ecosystem Enhancements
Beyond looks, One UI 8.5 brings functional upgrades to the Galaxy ecosystem:
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Seamless Photo Assist: Generative image editing is now more fluid. Users can chain multiple AI commands (e.g., erasing an object followed by moving another) without needing to save the image between each specific action.
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Storage Share: A new feature within the “My Files” app allows direct access to files stored on other Galaxy devices (tablets or PCs) as if they were local to the phone.
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Audio Broadcast: Leveraging Auracast technology, your Galaxy phone can now function as a microphone, broadcasting your voice to nearby Bluetooth LE Audio devices.
List of Eligible Devices
The rule of thumb for eligibility is straightforward: One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16. Consequently, every device eligible for One UI 8.0 will also receive version 8.5.
Galaxy S Series:
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Galaxy S26 Series (Pre-installed)
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Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 FE, S25 Edge
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Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
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Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
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Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
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Galaxy S21 FE
Galaxy Z (Foldables) Series:
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Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7
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Galaxy Z Fold SE (Special Edition)
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Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
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Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
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Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
Galaxy Tab Series:
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Tab S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 Lite, S10 FE, S10 FE+
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Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE, S9 FE+
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Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra
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Tab S6 Lite (2024 model)
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Tab A11, A11+, A9, A9+, Active 5 Series
Galaxy A, M, F, and XCover Series:
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A Series: A73, A56-A53, A36-A33, A26-A24, A17-A15, A07, A06
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M Series: M56-M53, M36, M34, M33, M17-M15, M07, M06
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F Series: F56-F54, F36, F34, F17-F15, F07, F06
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XCover: XCover 7, 7 Pro, 6 Pro
This update also includes under-the-hood improvements to security, such as enhanced theft protection and a more robust Identity Check feature, making One UI 8.5 an essential download once it arrives.
