Samsung already working on One UI 8.5 for Galaxy S26 series

While Samsung is still rolling out One UI 7 to its fleet of devices, a new report suggests that the brand is already working on One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung is expected to launch One UI 8 later this year, followed by version 8.5, which would replace the usual “.1” update from past years.

The team over at SammyPolice discovered One UI 8.5 references in Samsung’s software system code, which suggests that version 8.1 will be skipped. Samsung has not released a “.5” One UI update since One UI 2.5 back in 2020.

While it’s still in the realm of speculations, Samsung is expected to launch its Galaxy S26 series with One UI 8.5. On the other hand, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 which are rumored to launch between July and August are expected to bring One UI 8.0 based on Android 16.

According to the new report, One UI 8.5 could launch as a major overhaul with an updated visual identity and overhauled AI features. Tipster Ice Universe chimed in with speculation that Samsung is trying to align its One UI release with Google’s Android releases. This means One UI 8.0 launching alongside Android 16 with the Z Fold7/Z Flip7 and One UI 8.5 going official with the S26 series.

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