Samsung is preparing a major mid-cycle update for its Galaxy ecosystem with the upcoming One UI 8.5, skipping over the incremental One UI 8.1 in favor of a feature-rich release.
This move revives Samsung’s older “.5” naming convention, last used in One UI 2.5 back in 2020, and hints at a broader shift in the company’s software development roadmap.
One UI 8.5 Release Timeline
According to industry sources, One UI 8.5 will be based on Android 16 and is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026 — likely in January or February.
Following its debut, the update will gradually roll out across Samsung’s portfolio of eligible Galaxy smartphones and tablets, ensuring that both flagship and mid-range devices gain access to the new features.
This strategy also addresses recent irregularities in Samsung’s software roadmap. For example, the company skipped One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1, jumping directly to One UI 8.0, reportedly due to development delays. By reintroducing a substantial “.5” release, Samsung is signaling a return to feature-rich mid-cycle updates rather than minor patches.
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- Samsung Begins Rolling Out One UI 8 With Galaxy S25 Series
Samsung One UI 8.5 Compatibility List
Based on Samsung’s current software support policy, nearly all Galaxy devices that receive One UI 8.0 are also expected to qualify for One UI 8.5. The list includes:
Galaxy S Series
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra (and Fan Edition models)
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables)
- Galaxy Z Fold 4, Fold 5, Fold 6, and upcoming Fold 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 4, Flip 5, Flip 6, and upcoming Flip 7
Galaxy Tab Series
- Galaxy Tab S8, S9, and upcoming Tab S10
- Tab FE models and selected A-series tablets
Galaxy A, M, and F Series
- Galaxy A53, A54, A55
- Galaxy A33, A34, A35
- Select Galaxy M and F devices launched since 2022
Galaxy XCover Series
- Galaxy XCover 6 Pro
- Galaxy XCover 7
If Samsung follows through, One UI 8.5 will serve as one of the most widely distributed Galaxy updates ever, covering everything from flagship foldables to budget A-series devices.
While the list remains speculative until Samsung makes an official announcement, the continuity in software policy suggests users can expect three to four generations of One UI support on recent devices.
