Devices Eligible for One UI 8.5

Samsung is expanding One UI 8.5 beyond the Galaxy S25 lineup to older flagship phones, foldables, tablets, and select mid-range devices. Reports suggest the rollout includes the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, and the Galaxy Tab S11 series. The update should add some new AI tools to the Galaxy S23 series and make them easier to use. But some features might only work on newer hardware. Samsung's rollout plan looks like it will be staggered, with the Galaxy S25 series getting first priority and older devices like the Galaxy S24 lineup getting them later in May. The company is still beta testing some devices while stable builds slowly roll out to more models and regions.

New AI Features and Software Improvements

One UI 8.5 adds a number of AI-focused upgrades that were first seen with the Galaxy S26 series. One of the most talked-about new features is Call Screening, which lets AI answer unknown calls, make transcripts, and help filter out spam calls. Samsung is also adding AI Select, an improved version of Smart Select that uses AI for tasks like translating text and making GIFs. Audio Eraser now works in more places in the system, so it can make background noise quieter in real time. Creative Studio, which lets users make stickers and images with AI, better Photo Assist editing tools, and predictive AI features that help users better organize and manage their tasks are some of the other new features. The update also fixes performance issues that were found during beta testing, such as problems with Bluetooth reliability, touch responsiveness, camera recording, and the call screen taking too long to show up.

Delays, Beta Testing and Rollout Challenges

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 release process has faced multiple delays and rollout rumors over the past few weeks. Several reports initially suggested the stable version would arrive on April 30 or May 1, but those dates passed without an official release. Industry reports later pointed to holidays in South Korea, including Labor Day and Children’s Day, as reasons Samsung may have delayed the rollout to avoid software support issues during non-working periods.

Samsung also spent months refining the beta builds after users reported issues tied to Android 16 integration and One UI optimization. The beta phase became unusually long, especially for the Galaxy S25 series, which reportedly received up to 10 beta updates before stable rollout preparations began. Despite the delays, reports suggest Samsung is now close to broader global deployment, with rollout activity expected to accelerate over the coming days.

Samsung’s Bigger Software Strategy

One UI 8.5 reflects Samsung’s growing focus on AI integration and long-term software support across its Galaxy ecosystem. The company is using the update to bring flagship Galaxy S26 features to older phones while continuing to compete more aggressively with Google and other Android manufacturers. Samsung has also emphasized extended software support, with newer Galaxy devices now promised years of Android and security updates. The Galaxy S26 series, for example, ships with One UI 8.5 out of the box and is expected to receive updates through 2033. At the same time, reports suggest Samsung has already started internal testing for One UI 9 based on Android 17, even as One UI 8.5 continues rolling out globally. The update marks another major step in Samsung’s effort to position Galaxy devices around AI-powered software experiences, ecosystem integration, and long-term platform support.