In addition to its hardware prowess, the Galaxy S26 series has a distinct software advantage compared to its 2025 siblings. We’re talking about the Android 16-based One UI 8.5 software, which officially debuted with the Galaxy S26 lineup, while last year’s Galaxy S25 series is still in beta.
Following the rollout of six One UI 8.5 betas for the Galaxy S25, users understandably expected the stable version to drop imminently. Those expectations have now been dashed to some extent, as Samsung has just released yet another One UI 8.5 beta (ZZC7) for the Galaxy S25 series, its seventh so far.
The information comes from reliable leaker Tarun Vats, who initially shared information about the beta’s rollout in South Korea. The update has since appeared in Germany, India, the US, the UK, and Poland.
There aren’t any feature inclusions in this beta, which is unsurprising as we’re already seven updates in. The changelog shows a series of fixes, including for notifications, the weather widget, Samsung Messages, and much more.
Samsung rolled out the previous One UI 8.5 beta (#6) in late February, while Beta 5 arrived a week before that. This rapid rollout pace suggests that the Galaxy S25 may not be far from receiving the stable update that brings new software features and updated visuals across the board.
Is the One UI 8.5 stable update just around the corner?
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to when Samsung will roll out the One UI 8.5 stable update to older devices. While the Galaxy S25 is the only device supported in the One UI 8.5 beta program, fresh reporting by Tarun Vats indicates that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has now been added to the list (build ZZC5). The update has seemingly appeared in South Korea and India, with other regions presumably following suit shortly.
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Compromises will have to be made
Meanwhile, it’s unclear when older devices like the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and the Z Flip 6 will receive the coveted update. Based on how Samsung managed the One UI 7 updates for older flagships last year, some of these devices may have to wait until April to get One UI 8.5.
In the meantime, if you’re looking to experience all the best features of One UI 8.5 without any of the caveats that come with a beta update, your best bet is the freshly landed Galaxy S26.
8/10
- SoC
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display type
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Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Display dimensions
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6.9-inch
- Display resolution
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3120 x 1440
