If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, your device is likely about to get a significant upgrade—not just a simple bug fix. Samsung One UI 8.5 is one of the most feature-rich mid-cycle updates the company has ever launched. It offers a redesigned interface, a variety of new AI tools, and cross-platform sharing options that Galaxy users have been wanting.
This guide includes all the important details: what’s new, which devices are getting the update, how the beta program worked, and how to check if the update is ready for your phone.
What Is Samsung One UI 8.5?
Samsung One UI 8.5 is a major software update built on Android 16—the same version that powers One UI 8.0. This update is not minor; it’s Samsung’s mid-cycle feature update, coming between One UI 8.0 and the upcoming One UI 9, expected later in 2026 with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
One UI 8.0 launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in late 2025 but received mixed reviews, mainly because the visual changes were too subtle. One UI 8.5 responds to that feedback with a complete visual overhaul, meaningful AI additions, and a smarter way to share files across platforms, including with Apple devices.
Read this: Top 7 Samsung One UI Features You Should Know About in 2026
The update first appeared pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 series when it was released in early 2026. Since then, Samsung has been working to bring these features to older Galaxy phones and tablets, starting with the stable rollout on May 6, 2026, in South Korea. A global rollout began on May 11.
Samsung One UI 8.5 Features: What’s New
Liquid Glass Design
The most noticeable change in One UI 8.5 is the new design style. Samsung has moved away from the flat blurring effects used in earlier versions and introduced what it calls “Liquid Glass.” This consists of frosted glass layers with physics-based animations that give the interface a more fluid, premium feel.
In addition to this aesthetic shift, Samsung has relocated the search bar in many native apps, including the Settings app, to the bottom of the screen. This adjustment makes one-handed navigation much easier on larger Galaxy phones—a small but useful change.
The Quick Panel has also received a significant upgrade. Users can now fully customize it: any widget, toggle, or card can be repositioned or removed.
Galaxy AI Gets Smarter
This is where One UI 8.5 truly shines. Samsung has used this update to deliver Galaxy S26-exclusive AI features to older Galaxy devices, broadening the AI ecosystem without requiring users to buy new phones.
One of the most practical new features is AI Call Screening. When an unknown number calls, your phone can answer, ask the caller for their name and the reason for the call, and provide a live transcript for you to decide whether to pick up. It’s like a smart barrier between you and spam calls—a feature that U.S. Galaxy users will find particularly helpful, given the high volume of robocalls.
The Advanced Audio Eraser has also been significantly improved. Originally, it only worked on pre-recorded videos. With One UI 8.5, it now operates system-wide and in real time. You can reduce background noise while watching videos on YouTube, Netflix, or Instagram, and adjust the noise reduction level right from the Quick Panel.
Creative Studio is a new app for creating AI-generated visuals. It allows you to make drawings, invitation cards, profile cards, stickers, and wallpapers using simple doodles or text prompts—no design skills necessary.
Photo Assist now includes generative AI editing tools that let users remove objects, change backgrounds, adjust lighting, and add or remove elements from photos directly in the Gallery app.
AI Select has replaced the older Smart Select feature. Instead of requiring a screenshot first and then specifying an action, AI Select operates instantly—recognizing what you’re pointing at and offering relevant options immediately.
There’s also a refreshed version of Bixby, now positioned as a more capable assistant. The Now Brief feature can now act as a quick toggle for the flashlight when activated, and Samsung Browser (formerly Samsung Internet) has added an Ask AI feature in the U.S. and Korea.
Cross-Platform Sharing with Quick Share
One of the more impactful new features in One UI 8.5 is AirDrop support through Quick Share. Galaxy users can now send files directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs without the need for any third-party app. A “Share with Apple devices” toggle appears in Quick Share settings after the update. This works on the Galaxy S22 series and newer flagship models, as well as the Galaxy A36.
Samsung has consolidated several connected features—Camera Share, Storage Share, Auto Hotspot, and Multi Control—into a single “Family Device Sharing” section for easier access.
Improved Privacy and Security
One UI 8.5 adds enhanced protection for sensitive information in images you share. The system can now detect and flag potentially private content in photos before you send them, giving users more control over their data.
The Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Program
The Samsung One UI 8.5 beta program began on December 8, 2025, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. It later expanded to include the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy A36, A55, and A35, among others. The beta was available in the U.S., South Korea, Germany, India, Poland, and the UK.
Read this: Smartphone Evolution History From 1994 to Today
This cycle was unique because it ran for an extended period. The beta went through ten builds before Samsung finalized a stable release—the longest One UI beta cycle yet. This prolonged testing period resulted in a noticeably smoother final release, with improved animations, fewer bugs, and better performance in everyday tasks like Quick Panel responsiveness and Bluetooth connectivity.
For those seeking early access to future updates, Samsung’s beta programs are available through the Samsung Members app. It’s worth checking out if you prefer trying new features before they are available to everyone.
Which Galaxy Devices Are Getting One UI 8.5?
Samsung has been rolling out the update in phases. Here’s the current breakdown:
Phase 1:
Galaxy S25 series (including Edge and FE)
Galaxy S24 series
Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Galaxy Z Flip 7
Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Galaxy Tab S11 series
Galaxy Tab S10 series.
Phase 2
Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A36
Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung Galaxy A34
and their Galaxy M and F equivalents. These devices receive a reduced set of AI features under the “Awesome Intelligence” label rather than the complete Galaxy AI suite.
Devices not receiving the update include the Galaxy S21 series (non-FE), Galaxy Note 20 series, and older Galaxy A, M, and F devices released before 2023.
If you have a carrier-locked device, expect your update to arrive a few days later than unlocked models since carriers need to certify each release before it goes out. The download size is approximately 3.2 to 4.5 GB, depending on your current firmware, so be sure to connect to Wi-Fi before downloading.
How to Check for and Install One UI 8.5?
Checking for the update is easy:
1. Open Settings on your Galaxy device.
2. Scroll down and tap Software update.
3. Tap Download and install.
4. Tap Check for updates or wait for the notification to appear automatically.
If the update isn’t available yet, it simply means your device hasn’t reached the front of Samsung’s rollout. Checking once or twice a day is fine; the notification will show up as soon as your device is ready.
One UI 8.5 vs. One UI 8.0: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For most Galaxy users, yes, it is worth it—especially if you have the Galaxy S24 or S25 series. The AI Call Screening feature alone makes the update valuable for anyone tired of spam calls. The real-time Audio Eraser, Quick Panel customization, and AirDrop-compatible Quick Share are useful features that enhance daily use beyond just looking good in a press release.
If you have an older A-series phone, the upgrade is still worthwhile, though you’ll get a limited set of AI features under the Awesome Intelligence label instead of the full Galaxy AI experience.
Get Ready for a Smarter Galaxy Experience
Samsung One UI 8.5 is the kind of update that shows why software is just as important as hardware. It takes features that were locked to the Galaxy S26 just a few months ago and puts them in the hands of anyone running a Galaxy S24, S25, or recent foldable. The Liquid Glass redesign freshens up the interface, the AI tools are genuinely practical, and cross-platform sharing with Apple devices is a long-overdue move that many users will appreciate.
If your device is on the eligible list, head to Settings > Software update and check for the download today. If you’re still waiting for the rollout to reach your region or device, it shouldn’t be long — Samsung is actively pushing One UI 8.5 globally through May and June 2026.
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