Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Beta to Galaxy S24, Fold 6, Flip 6, and More
Samsung has officially launched the One UI 8.5 beta program, bringing the latest software experience to a fresh wave of Galaxy devices. The beta rollout marks a significant expansion, allowing users of newer flagship and select mid-range models to test upcoming features before the stable release.
Eligible Devices and Market Availability
The initial beta wave includes several high-profile smartphones and a tablet. The Galaxy S24 series, comprising the base S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra, is at the forefront. They are joined by the latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. The program also extends to the anticipated Galaxy S25 FE and the current Galaxy S24 FE, alongside the premium Galaxy Tab S11 tablet.
This beta phase is currently accessible to users in four key markets: India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Samsung has indicated plans to broaden the program to include additional Galaxy devices starting in April, suggesting more models will gain access to the beta in the coming weeks.
Key Features and Enhancements
Testers participating in the One UI 8.5 beta can explore a suite of new and refined functionalities. A notable focus is on upgraded Bixby capabilities, though specific details on the AI assistant's improvements remain under wraps. A practical addition for content creators and troubleshooters is the introduction of partial screen recording, allowing users to capture a specific area of the display rather than the entire screen.
User interface refinements are also part of the package, with a redesigned battery interface being a highlighted change. This update likely aims to provide clearer, more detailed information about power usage and battery health. These features represent a continuation of Samsung's iterative approach to enhancing its software ecosystem, building upon the foundations laid by previous One UI versions.
What This Means for Galaxy Users
The launch of this beta program is a clear signal of Samsung's commitment to providing timely software updates across its device portfolio. By including recent flagships like the S24 series and Z Fold/Flip 6, as well as FE models and a tablet, the company is ensuring a wide range of users can experience and help refine the next software iteration.
For eligible users in the supported regions, enrolling in the beta via the Samsung Members app offers an early look at the future of the Galaxy software experience. It's important to note that, as with any beta software, participants may encounter bugs or instability, and backing up data before installation is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
Samsung's rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta to devices like the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 underscores a proactive software development strategy. The inclusion of features such as enhanced Bixby, partial screen recording, and UI tweaks points to a focus on both AI integration and practical utility. With the promise of more devices joining the beta next month, Galaxy owners have good reason to keep an eye on their update notifications for a chance to shape the final software release.