One UI 8.5 Beta Expansion: What's Next After Galaxy S25?
The launch of the Galaxy S26 series marks a significant milestone for Samsung's software development, as these devices become the first to ship with the stable version of One UI 8.5. This development naturally raises questions about when other Samsung smartphones might gain access to the beta program that preceded this stable release.
Beta Expansion Appears Imminent
With the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra having participated in the initial One UI 8.5 beta testing phase, attention now shifts to other devices in Samsung's portfolio. The company appears ready to broaden access to the beta program, having likely waited until the Galaxy S26 series reached consumers before expanding testing to additional devices.
Internal test builds for One UI 8.5 have been circulating for various devices for some time, but recent developments suggest a more formal beta program may be approaching. Beta firmware has been detected on Samsung's servers for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, indicating these foldables could be among the first to join the expanded testing program.
Foldables Lead the Charge
The transition from standard test builds to beta firmware typically signals that Samsung is preparing to launch a public beta program. This pattern suggests the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 could soon receive official beta access, allowing users to experience One UI 8.5's new features ahead of the stable release.
This expansion would make strategic sense, as foldable devices represent a growing segment of Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. Providing early access to One UI 8.5 on these devices would help ensure the software is optimized for their unique form factors and capabilities before widespread deployment.
Older Flagships Remain Uncertain
While development work on One UI 8.5 has reportedly been underway for devices dating back to the Galaxy S23 series, it remains unclear whether these older flagships will receive public beta access. Samsung may opt to deliver the stable version directly to these devices without an intermediate beta phase.
The company's approach to beta programs has evolved over time, with recent years showing a more selective approach to which devices receive early testing access. This suggests that while many devices will eventually receive One UI 8.5, the beta program itself may remain limited to newer hardware.
Conclusion
The expansion of the One UI 8.5 beta program beyond the Galaxy S25 series appears to be in its final preparation stages, with foldable devices likely to be the next recipients. This move would provide valuable testing data across different device categories while giving enthusiastic users early access to Samsung's latest software innovations.
As with any beta program, participants should expect some instability and be prepared to provide feedback that helps refine the final stable release. For those eager to experience One UI 8.5 on devices beyond the Galaxy S25 series, the wait may soon be over.