Samsung is ushering in a new chapter for Galaxy smartphone and tablet owners with One UI 8.5. This major refinement doesn’t just polish the visual experience—it introduces deeper customization, smart AI-driven features, and meaningful performance improvements. Below, discover every core detail about the update, the most exciting new features, and who will get them first.
What is New in One UI 8.5?
One UI 8.5 is designed to be more than a simple refresh—it is a comprehensive overhaul focused on usability and comfort. Samsung’s update brings:
- Radically Customizable Quick Panel: Users can arrange toggles, widgets, brightness, and volume sliders either vertically or horizontally, strip down the panel to essentials, or bulk up with their most-used features. Toggle options for rarely-used functions are now removable, giving users complete control.
- Revamped Core Apps and Visual Design: Apps such as Gallery, My Files, and Phone feature compact tab bars, new preview headers, and softened UI elements. The Material You-inspired design introduces pill-shaped icons, larger spacings, rounded corners, and subtle shadows for a premium and uncluttered appearance.
- Bottom Search Bars & Cohesive Theme: The search bar is now at the bottom for easier reachability in system apps, and system-wide themes adapt colors for visual consistency. The lock screen and clock receive playful style upgrades.
- Enhanced Camera Experience: The Camera app gets easier-to-access settings, video presets (like Blockbuster and Thriller), support for multiple LUTs, and expansion into 3D and VR functionalities. New presets and toggles enable quicker video recording options.
- Smarter AI Features: Automatic call screening is introduced, condensing excess alerts into actionable summaries. Quick Share is now NFC-driven, making wireless file transfer as easy as tapping two supported Galaxy devices together. Intelligent network switching leverages AI to move between Wi-Fi and cellular based on security and speed.
- Privacy and Accessibility: The Private Display feature limits side-angle visibility, improving screen privacy in crowded places. For users with photosensitive epilepsy, auto-dimming reduces flicker/flash, marking a thoughtful accessibility leap.
- System Changes: Digital Wellbeing and battery management menus sport a new look, while the battery icon has been replaced by a minimalist percentage that changes color based on charge level. Charging animations are refreshed for elegance.
- Gesture Shortcuts: You can now double-tap the back of the phone to trigger shortcuts (AI Select, Flashlight, Notification, Screenshot, etc.), previously only available via Good Lock apps, now built directly into the OS.
These updates make One UI 8.5 a meaningful leap, with Samsung blending feedback, comfort, and smart technology into the daily Galaxy experience.
List of All Eligible Samsung Galaxy Devices
One UI 8.5 will roll out to a wide portfolio covering flagships, foldables, tablets, mid-range, and rugged devices:
Galaxy S Series
- S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
- S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
- S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables)
- Z Fold 7, Fold 6, Fold 5, Fold 4, Fold SE
- Z Flip 7, Flip 6, Flip 5, Flip 4
Galaxy Tab Series
- Tab S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 FE
- Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE
- Tab S8 series, S6 Lite (2024), Tab A9, A9+, Tab Active 5
Galaxy A Series
- A73, A56, A55, A54, A53
- A36, A35, A34, A33
- A26, A25, A24, A12
- A16 (LTE/5G), A15 (LTE/5G), A14 (LTE/5G), A06 (LTE/5G)
Galaxy M Series
- M56, M55, M55s, M54, M53
- M35, M34, M33, M16, M15, M06, M05
Galaxy F Series
- F56, F55, F54, F34
- F16, F15, F14 (LTE), F06, F05
Galaxy XCover Series (Rugged)
- XCover 7, XCover 7 Pro, XCover 6 Pro
Global Rollout Schedule and Dates
- Kickoff (October 2025): One UI 8.5 launched for Galaxy S25, Fold6, Flip6, and high-end Tab/A series, beginning in Korea and quickly reaching Europe, India, and the Americas.
- First Wave (October 2–6): S23 series, Z Fold5/Flip5, Tabs S10/S9/S8, and new A55/A35/A16 models receive the update.
- Second Wave (mid-October): S22, S21 FE, and budget lines follow. India’s rollout for the S24 series, Tab S10 FE, and A-series began in October, with most units updated by November.
- Upcoming (Early 2026): Galaxy S26 series will debut with One UI 8.5; from Q1 2026, older eligible models will be fully covered worldwide.
Users can manually check for updates by heading to “Settings > Software Update > Download and install.” The Samsung Members app also provides local notices.
One UI 8.5 stands out as Samsung’s most cohesively designed and user-focused update. It’s rolling out now to a massive list of Galaxy devices across categories and regions, offering smart customization, privacy, and accessibility. Whether you have a flagship, foldable, tablet, or mid-range Galaxy, watch for your notification soon—One UI 8.5’s new era is arriving.
