Samsung is reportedly working on One UI 8.5, despite the fact that One UI 8 has not yet been officially announced. Many users are still waiting for the One UI 7 update, leading to speculation that Samsung might be planning a more significant software refresh within the Android 16 cycle.
This information was shared by Sammypolice, which discovered references to One UI 8.5 in Samsung’s system component code. Notably, there were no indications of intermediate updates like One UI 8.1, suggesting that Samsung might be bypassing these smaller releases in favor of a more substantial version.
Tipster Tarun Vats also supported this development, indicating that the One UI 8 update would indeed be succeeded by One UI 8.5. If true, this would mark a return of the “.5” updates for the first time since One UI 2.5 was released in 2020.
This direction could imply that Samsung intends to deliver a feature-rich software version that surpasses what One UI 8 is anticipated to offer. The rollout of One UI 7 has drawn criticism due to its significant delays, particularly since the update has yet to reach several key regions and devices, including the Galaxy S24 series in the US.
However, this extended wait might have allowed Samsung to refine and streamline future updates. One UI 8, expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, appears to be a minor upgrade.
With a lack of major features planned, skipping the smaller 8.1 update in favor of 8.5 could provide users with a more exciting and compelling version later in the cycle. While there has been no official confirmation from Samsung regarding these updates, the early indications of One UI 8.5 and the absence of intermediate versions suggest a more substantial release is on the horizon.
This anticipated update is expected to be launched alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup in 2026.
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