Samsung devices eligible for One UI 8.5 update list

Samsung One UI 8.5 is the works, but we already have a possible eligible devices list. Samsung is set to alter its software upgrade strategy, reviving a naming convention from its past for its next major mid-cycle release. According to the latest reports, the company will skip the incremental One UI 8.1 update and instead launch One UI 8.5. This significant upgrade, based on Android 16, signals a potential shift in Samsung’s development cycle and is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026 before rolling out to a vast number of existing Galaxy devices.

Samsung is reportedly changing its software development roadmap, preparing to launch a significant mid-cycle update under the name One UI 8.5. This move marks a departure from its recent trend of releasing minor x.1.1 updates and signals a return to the “.5” versioning that was last seen four years ago with the release of One UI 2.5.

While the company has yet to make an official announcement, industry sources indicate that the One UI 8.5 upgrade will be based on the forthcoming Android 16. It is expected to make its debut on the flagship Galaxy S26 series, which is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2026, likely in January or February. Following its premiere, Samsung is expected to initiate a widespread rollout of the upgrade to other premium devices, gradually extending support to its entire portfolio of eligible smartphones and tablets.

This strategic shift follows a period of adjustment for Samsung’s software team. The company notably skipped One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1, moving directly from One UI 7.0 to 8.0, reportedly due to development delays with the former. By reintroducing a substantial “.5” release, Samsung aims to deliver a more feature-rich mid-cycle upgrade rather than a minor incremental patch.

Samsung One UI 8.5: Which Devices Will Receive the Upgrade?

The One UI 8.5 upgrade is expected to have broad device support. The general rule is that nearly all Galaxy devices eligible for the initial One UI 8.0 update will also receive the One UI 8.5 version. This extensive eligibility ensures that users across various price points will benefit from the new software.

Based on Samsung‘s current software support policy, the Samsung One UI 8.5 eligible devices list of eligible devices is projected to include:

• Galaxy S Series: Every flagship model from the Galaxy S22 series onwards, including the S23, S24, and the upcoming S25 lineups, along with their respective Fan Edition (FE) variants.
• Galaxy Z Series: All foldable devices from the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 onwards, including the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
• Galaxy Tab Series: Premium tablets like the Galaxy Tab S8, S9, and upcoming S10 series, in addition to several FE and budget A-series models.
• Galaxy A, M, and F Series: A wide selection of popular mid-range and budget devices launched since 2022, such as the Galaxy A53/A54/A55, A33/A34/A35, and numerous models from the M and F series.
• Galaxy XCover Series: Rugged devices including the XCover 6 Pro and XCover 7.

This Samsung One UI 8.5 eligible devices list remains speculative and is based on the assumption of continuity in Samsung’s upgrade policy. Any official changes from Samsung will be updated accordingly. As the tech giant continues the development of One UI 8.0, the groundwork is already being laid for the significant One UI 8.5 upgrade that will define the Galaxy experience in 2026.