Samsung's One UI 8.5 rollout is one of the most expansive software pushes the company has undertaken in recent memory. Built on Android 16, this update is moving through Samsung's entire active device portfolio from current flagships all the way down to budget Galaxy A, M, and F series phones. If you're wondering whether your Galaxy device is getting it and when to expect it, here's everything confirmed so far.
One UI 8.5 is Samsung's mid-cycle major update sitting between One UI 8.0 and the upcoming One UI 9. It's based on Android 16 and is more than just a visual refresh Samsung is using this update as the primary vehicle to deliver Android 16 across a wide range of Galaxy devices that launched in previous years.
The update first shipped pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 series when it launched in March 2026. For everyone else, the stable rollout officially began on May 6, 2026, starting in South Korea, before expanding globally from May 11 onward across Europe, India, North America, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
What's New in One UI 8.5
The changes in One UI 8.5 cover several meaningful areas.
The interface has been redesigned with what Samsung calls Ambient Design language, which gives the overall UI more screen real estate and a cleaner visual hierarchy. The Quick Settings panel now allows full customization any widget, toggle, or card can be moved anywhere on the panel, and most items can even be deleted entirely. The search bar in Samsung's first-party apps, including Settings, has moved to the bottom of the screen for easier one-handed use.
On the AI side, One UI 8.5 brings features that were exclusive to the Galaxy S26 at launch to older devices. Call Screening is one of the more practical additions when an unknown number calls, Bixby can answer on your behalf, ask who is calling and why, and display a live transcript on screen so you can decide whether to join. Smarter Bixby control, natural conversation handling, and conversation history are also part of the update.
The camera app receives three new film-style filters. The home screen and lock screen get new downloadable wallpapers and additional clock font options. The Weather app is upgraded with a redesigned widget and a Pollen Index feature. Direct Voicemail, a feature previously associated with iPhones, has also been added for Galaxy A series users. AirDrop support for file transfers with Apple devices is included across compatible models.
Officially Confirmed Eligible Devices
Samsung's official announcement on May 6 confirmed the initial wave of eligible devices for One UI 8.5. Samsung Germany subsequently revealed an additional 20 devices, expanding the confirmed list further.
Galaxy S Series
Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Galaxy Z Foldables
Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5
Galaxy Tab Tablets
Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S11+, Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S10, Tab S10+, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 FE, Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 FE
Galaxy A Series
Galaxy A57, A56, A55, A37, A36, A35, A26, A25, A17, A16 5G, A16 4G, A06 5G
Galaxy M Series
Galaxy M56, M55, M54, M35, M16 5G
Galaxy F Series
Galaxy F56, F55, F17, F16
This list reflects currently confirmed devices and continues to grow as Samsung expands the rollout.
Devices That Will Not Receive One UI 8.5
Not every Galaxy device makes the cut. Based on Samsung's official update policy, the following are outside the One UI 8.5 eligibility window:
The Galaxy S21 series (non-FE models), Galaxy Note 20 series, and Galaxy A, M, and F devices released before 2023 will not receive One UI 8.5. These devices did not receive One UI 8.0, placing them outside the current update cycle entirely.
As of early 2026, Samsung has also officially moved the Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to a quarterly security schedule. These devices are expected to stop at One UI 8.5, making it their final feature update. The Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy A53 are also in a similar position.
Three devices were removed from the quarterly update list entirely during the May 2026 software roadmap revision: the Galaxy A13, Galaxy A23, and Galaxy M33 5G.
Notably, Samsung has not yet confirmed whether the Galaxy Z TriFold, Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and Galaxy Tab S10 FE will receive One UI 8.5. These devices are absent from official announcements and may still be added in a later update wave.
Rollout Timeline: How It's Progressing
Samsung has structured the One UI 8.5 rollout in waves, starting with flagships and working down through the lineup.
May 6, 2026: Stable rollout begins in South Korea for premium Galaxy S and Z series devices.
May 11, 2026, Global expansion begins across Europe, India, North America, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, covering Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 / Z Flip 6 series.
In mid-to-late May 2026, Galaxy A series devices begin receiving the update. Galaxy A56, A55, A36, and A35 were among the first A-series phones to receive stable builds, making this one of Samsung's fastest rollouts to mid-range devices in recent history. Galaxy M56, M55, and M54 also began receiving the update during this period.
June 1, 2026, Samsung kicked off June with a significant expansion wave. Galaxy F56, F55, F17, F16, M16 5G, A16 4G, A06 5G, and M35 5G all began receiving the update on the first day of the month.
Mid June 2026 onward Additional A, M, and F series devices are scheduled to receive the update as the rollout continues to expand to more markets.
One UI 8.5 vs One UI 9 What's Coming Next
It's worth noting that while One UI 8.5 continues its rollout, Samsung has already begun One UI 9 beta testing. The One UI 9 beta launched on May 13, 2026, in four countries, initially for the Galaxy S26 series. The beta subsequently expanded to India and Poland on May 26 and is continuing to grow.
One UI 9 is based on Android 17 and is expected to officially debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 7 lineup at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, currently expected around July 22, 2026. For most Galaxy users currently receiving One UI 8.5, this update represents their Android 16 delivery with One UI 9 following for eligible devices once the stable release arrives later in the year.
How to Check for the Update
To check whether One UI 8.5 has arrived on your device, open the Settings app, scroll down to Software update, and tap Download and install. The availability timing varies by model and region, so if it's not showing yet for your country, checking back over the following days is the practical approach as Samsung stages the rollout across markets.
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