One UI 8.5: Already in the works from Samsung for the Galaxy S26

April 25, 2025

Samsung is already working on One UI 8.5, which is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series.

The company appears to be bypassing One UI version 8.1, opting to move directly to version 8.5, as reports from Samsung's system code reveal.

One UI 8.5 will be based on Android 16, which is expected to be released by Google in the summer of 2025. Samsung plans to sync One UI updates with Android releases, with One UI 8.0 expected to be released with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, and One UI 8.5 coming with the Galaxy S26 series.

Version 8.5 marks the return of interim updates, which hadn't appeared since One UI 2.5 in 2020. These updates usually include major improvements and new features, as opposed to smaller updates.

One UI 8.5 is expected to incorporate advanced AI features such as improved suggestions, smart camera functions and productivity tools, extending the capabilities of Galaxy AI.
Reports suggest that One UI 8.5 will offer a refreshed visual identity, with improvements to the user interface and user experience.
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to be unveiled in early 2026, probably in January or February, and will come with One UI 8.5. The One UI 8.0 version is expected to launch earlier, in the summer of 2025, with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7.
This strategy shows Samsung's intention to offer more substantial and comprehensive updates, focusing on major improvements and new features, rather than small, incremental changes.