A beta program is released prior to the official release of every significant new One UI update for Galaxy devices that comes with an updated version of Android. Although Samsung has primarily restricted them to their foldable phones, we have also seen beta programs for minor One UI improvements where the Android version stays the same.
For One UI 8.5, Samsung is making some changes this year. It is hosting a conventional beta program in six nations (the US, the UK, Korea, Germany, Poland, and India) that is not limited to Galaxy Z handsets. Which gadgets will be supported? To discover out, you’ve come to the correct spot.
Yes, the initial list is rather short. At first, only the initial three models of the Galaxy S25 series are qualified. As usual, neither the Galaxy S25 Edge nor the FE model are receiving the beta.
We’ll make sure to update this list when Samsung expands the beta program to new devices, so be sure to bookmark this site and return at a later time.
Watch the video below to learn what One UI 8.5 has to offer. For more One UI 8.5 material, visit our YouTube channel.
Less than a month ago, Samsung released another beta update for the Galaxy Watch 6, which perhaps caused some people to question when the full build would be released. With Samsung releasing One UI 8 based on Wear OS 6 for the Galaxy Watch 6 series, it seems like it will happen sooner rather than later.
In Korea, Samsung’s initial One UI 8 upgrade for the Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic is presently being released (via GSMArena). The US should soon follow suit, adding more regions to the list as similar updates usually do.
The UI and fitness features of the Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic will evolve as more regions become accessible. In particular, One UI 8 Watch introduces a new stacked tile feature for improved widget access, which is much appreciated.
Wear OS 6 is coming
If Samsung is sticking to the same schedule as it did with the Watch 6 series, the Galaxy Watch 5 is scheduled for another beta upgrade in the near future. Although Samsung hasn’t given any timeframe information, it is anticipated that the Galaxy Watch 5 will have access to a final build of Wear OS 6.
Instead of using the Members app, you can download the update using the Galaxy Wearables app. Go to the settings and search for the software update page after that.
Samsung is already rolling out One UI 8, its version of Android 16, to all Galaxy phones that support it, but the upcoming major update may be much more important.
At least four new Galaxy AI functions may be included in One UI 8.5, according to a report from the Korean website ETNews.
But you may have to wait a long time. The Galaxy S26 series phones are expected to get OneUI 8.5 in January or February 2026, with a broader rollout to follow in the coming weeks and months.
They would be the first new Galaxy AI features in more than a year, if that is the case. Here is what you have to look forward to.
Meeting assistant
Has somebody ever met with you using a language you don’t understand? I’m not referring to ROIs and KPIs, though Galaxy AI might be able to assist you with that as well—a real foreign language.
Meeting Assistant was created with certain situations in mind. Theoretically, it can identify what is being spoken, precisely transcribe it, and then translate it in real time into your target language. If all goes according to plan, this may be quite helpful in some meetings, as well as in situations like interviews and press conferences, if you connect headphones.
Touch assistant
Similar real-time translation capabilities are provided by Touch Assistant, but only for text that is displayed on the screen. You can choose to translate a passage of text by simply selecting it as though you were going to copy it.
Although it’s unclear exactly what this means, ETNews claims that Touch Assistant also “organizes it for easy reading.”
Smart clipboard
You can move text without being restricted to the most recent item you copied by using the clipboard feature, which is available through the Samsung Keyboard.
By employing AI to recommend actions for any material that shows up, Smart Clipboard seeks to improve this. For instance, you could want to add particular words or phrases to your favorites, summarize a lengthy text section, or translate anything that isn’t in your system language.
Social composer
Do you like sharing content on Instagram but find it difficult to think of a clever caption? Social Composer can assist you.
It can analyze your uploaded photos, identify the people or things in them, and then provide a variety of textual descriptions about them. Along with a more thorough description and even links to any products it recognizes, this can also include a caption.
A big Galaxy AI leap for free?
Whether all of these capabilities will be available on One UI 8.5 in the format ETNews has outlined is still up in the air.
It could, however, significantly improve the Galaxy AI experience on your phone. Will it be able to match the Google Pixel phones’ Gemini-powered experience? We’ll find out in time.
Additionally, Galaxy AI might not always be free, even though Samsung has not indicated that it will charge for certain services.
Although the One UI 8 update is already available for a large number of Samsung Galaxy phones, some models have a different situation. Samsung has put impacted users at risk by formally discontinuing software support for a number of devices. What that entails for Galaxy owners is as follows.
Samsung recently posted the most latest software schedules for Galaxy devices on its support page. Notably, some models now receive security upgrades every three months instead of every month. This includes the low-cost flagship Galaxy S21 FE, which will no longer receive monthly security fixes but rather three-monthly ones.
Android 16 via One UI 8 is still scheduled to be released for the Galaxy S21 FE in the upcoming weeks. It won’t receive Android 17 or One UI 9 next year because this will be its last significant update. Samsung might still release One UI 8.5, though, and it will probably be based on Android 16.1.
Final update rolls out to these Samsung Galaxy phones
The mid-range Galaxy A52s and low-cost Galaxy A03s have been taken off the support page as devices that are on the chopping block. June of this year saw the most recent security update for both. They won’t receive the September or October patches, based on their removal. The Galaxy F42 and M32 are also no longer on the list.
The Galaxy Tab A8, which was released in early 2022, might be the next in line. By the end of this year or January of the following year, it might get its last update.
These Samsung may be at risk
These devices will lose out on important security updates that guard against changing cyberthreats, even if they might still get software updates and small patches from the Google Play Store. Outdated devices are more susceptible to assaults that could jeopardize personal data or even result in financial loss if these patches are not installed.
The September security update, for example, fixed a number of vulnerabilities, including a number of high- and medium-severity problems. There have been reports of some of these being used in the wild.
Because risks are constantly changing, regular updates are crucial. Up-to-date software is just as important for staying safe as new hardware.
Upgrading to a newer gadget is the easiest solution for impacted consumers. Although it is feasible to keep using unsupported phones, users should be aware of the hazards. One strategy to lessen risk is to steer clear of banking and financial apps on mobile devices.
Early in the upcoming year, Samsung is anticipated to release the One UI 8.5 software along with the Galaxy S26 series. However, in terms of new features and cosmetic improvements, early build leaks have given little room for speculation.
Unfortunately, only a small number of users are able to test-run the program at this time, thus these early builds aren’t available to everyone. Although we are unsure of the exact date, we are aware that the firm will soon formally launch the One UI 8.5 beta program for its flagship phones. With a leak providing information on a possible release date for the initial beta update, that is now altering.
According to SamMobile’s exclusive tip, Samsung might activate the One UI 8.5 beta program before the end of November, possibly “around the week beginning November 24.” In contrast, after a protracted wait, Samsung released the One UI 7 public beta in December 2024, with the stable rollout taking place in April.
Samsung released the first One UI 8 beta in May and the stable version last month, changing things up for the next big software release. The devices that will be compatible with 8.5 and the areas in which it will be accessible are still unknown.
Will your older Galaxy phone get the One UI 8.5 beta update on schedule?
The beta update is likely to be available on almost every device running the Android 16-based One UI 8.0 software. At the top of the list of devices that qualify should be the Galaxy S25 series and the newly released Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
We should also mention that users of the Samsung flagships from 2024 had to wait about three months to receive the One UI 8 beta. With the next One UI beta, we can only hope that Samsung won’t do the same thing.
The software is expected to be a significant improvement over One UI 8, if the previous leaks of One UI 8.5 are any indication. Because it will be based on Android 16 QPR2, Galaxy owners will be able to use the most recent Android update available. A recently leaked hands-on video gave us a better look at the improvements in the new software.
This OneUI feature is perfect for fans of Samsung’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink software strategy. Was one of the Samsung Galaxy phones’ best-kept secrets just revealed by a Reddit user? The most well-known aspect of OneUI, the software launcher that runs Samsung phones, is how many functions it has. Some of them are so buried or too many that you won’t utilize them at all.
The best hidden feature award can go to a new discovery. The function, known as “Connectivity Labs,” can only be accessed by a hidden gesture in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone. That’s cool, isn’t it?
Even more amazing are the features offered by Connectivity Labs, which include developer options, AI-powered mobile data switching, a home Wi-Fi assessment tool, and more. Here are some of the greatest features you should start utilizing, how to access them, and which Samsung models are compatible.
Opening Intelligent Wi-Fi settings
In order to access your Intelligent Wi-Fi settings, you must first launch the Settings app, hit the Connections tab, select Wi-Fi, then tap the three dots in the upper-right corner (to expand options), and then select Intelligent Wi-Fi.
You will then get a list of Wi-Fi alternatives that are adaptable.
Turning on Connectivity Labs
Scroll to the bottom of the Intelligent Wi-Fi page, then tap the software version (now known as Intelligent Wi-Fi 7.0.0) seven times to enable Connectivity Labs.
You should see a pop-up message indicating the number of taps required to activate Connectivity Labs as you continue to tap. The secret menu will then show up at the bottom of the site after that.
Connectivity Labs
A column of graphs showing the different bands, types, and networks your phone is linked to appears when you first launch Connectivity Labs. Additionally, there is a “Daily Average” ticker that shows how long your phone spends on Wi-Fi each day.
But the bottom half of this page has the main content. A list of helpful internet connection toggles, such as Wi-Fi 7 mode, Wi-Fi handover, network quality information, and more, can be found as you read down.
Although the most of the alternatives are specialized, I’ve been trying with all of them, and three are generally helpful:
Home Wi-Fi inspection: This feature tests your Wi-Fi signal in real time, displaying connection strength fluctuations as you move around your house. I needed a convenient location for the monitoring hub after I recently placed new video security cameras across my property. After using the Wi-Fi inspection tool, I located a strong signal spot in my office and configured it.
Switching to mobile data faster: Have you ever had slow internet because your phone was switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data while you were outside of a cafe or office building, for example, and you were on the edge of a public connection? If you select this option, the phone will immediately switch to mobile data if it senses that your Wi-Fi signal is waning. If you have an unlimited data plan, this is a fantastic alternative.
Wi-Fi Developer Options: One of the most useful settings on this menu is “Nearby Wi-Fi information,” which provides a list of the signal strengths of your nearby networks. When there are several public Wi-Fi networks available, such as at an airport, and you want to know which one will provide the quickest surfing speeds, this can be helpful.
Although I have only touched the surface of Connectivity Labs’ potential, it is evident that there are many helpful tools available to make more exploration worthwhile. I strongly advise spending some time looking into these settings, experimenting with them, and figuring out which ones best suit your unique need for internet connectivity. The amount of control and optimization you may attain without spending any money may surprise you.
You’re in luck if you have an older Galaxy Watch and are wondering if Samsung would give it some love with the most recent One UI 8 Watch update. Earlier today, Samsung affirmed that older Galaxy Watch units will receive the eagerly awaited software upgrade before the year is over.
We can verify which models are eligible for the One UI 8 Watch once it launches, even if the business did not provide a specific timeframe. Check out the list below.
One UI 8 Watch is pre-installed on the Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and 2025 Watch Ultra. The update was already available for the 2024 Watch Ultra in late July.
Obviously, One UI 8 Watch will be offered in every region in both Wi-Fi and LTE versions. Additionally, it will be accessible for limited-edition versions of the previously listed models, such as:
Galaxy Watch 4 Golf Edition.
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Thom Browne Edition.
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Golf Edition.
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Golf Edition.
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Astro Edition.
Galaxy Watch 6 Thom Browne Edition.
The One UI 8 Watch upgrade will essentially be available for all Galaxy Watches running Wear OS, whether or not they are special edition models. No Tizen OS smartwatches will be updated, as you may have anticipated. They are no longer supported.
Lastly, while One UI 8 Watch will be available for all of the previously mentioned Wear OS-based Samsung Galaxy Watches, older devices will not be able to access the newest features, like Antioxidant Index.
One of the main features that sets Samsung’s Galaxy phones and tablets apart is its One UI. Now that One UI 7 is available to customers, focus is turning to OneUI 8, the upcoming chapter. Exciting new features will be available for Samsung handsets with the next software update, which is based on Android 16.
The release date, the beta testing program, which devices will receive OneUI 8 in accordance with Samsung’s update policy, and the implications for Galaxy users will all be covered in this article.
OneUI 8 Release Date
Samsung’s major One UI releases have historically coincided with the yearly cycle of Android updates, usually occurring in the fourth quarter, around October or November, after Google’s stable Android release. One UI 6, for example, made its debut on October 30, 2023, and One UI 7, which was much later, appeared on April 7, 2025. But OneUI 8 is totally deviating from this trend.
At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, the Android 16-based One UI 8 was formally unveiled. Arriving in July, months ahead of Samsung’s customary fall upgrade timetable, the company successfully met its ambitious summer 2025 stable release timeline.
According to Samsung, the update will be progressively made available to additional Galaxy devices that are compatible, guaranteeing a wider distribution within its ecosystem.
In mid-August 2025, the Galaxy S25 series has the best probability of receiving the stable One UI 8 update for current devices. With a staggered deployment to guarantee stability, the update for additional devices, like as the Galaxy S24, S23, and previous foldables, is probably going to begin in late August 2025.
Samsung OneUI 8 Beta Program
Beginning with the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in Germany, Korea, the UK, and the US, Samsung formally began the OneUI 8 beta program on May 28, 2025. India and Poland are now part of the Beta program.
Through the Samsung Members app, users of the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra can apply to install the One UI 8 beta by following the revised sign-up procedure that Samsung has announced. With Beta 1 launching on May 28, Beta 2 on June 12, and Beta 3 on June 30, 2025, Samsung launched the beta program without making any significant formal announcements.
As is customary for Samsung, the beta program began with flagship devices. Samsung has expanded the One UI 8 Beta 3 program to include the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra after successfully launching it for the Galaxy S25 series. According to the Samsung Korea Moderator, the fourth beta build has been confirmed and will be available next week.
OneUI 8 Eligible Devices
We can use Samsung’s official software update policy to determine which devices are assured of receiving the upgrade, even though the company hasn’t formally confirmed the OneUI 8 device list. Along with five years of security updates for certain models, Samsung now provides up to seven years of operating system upgrades for some flagship handsets (beginning with the Galaxy S24 series) and four years for others. The following devices are unquestionably qualified for OneUI 8 based on this guideline and the verified OneUI 7 rollout:
The four-year policy may also apply to mid-range devices such as the Galaxy A55 and A35. The Galaxy S21 series and other older devices might not be able to use OneUI 8 since their four-year support might expire before it does.
OneUI 8’s release coincided perfectly with the July 9, 2025, release of Samsung’s new foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Z Flip7 FE. OneUI 8, based on Android 16, comes preinstalled on these devices. Samsung made a big shift with this, releasing a big update far earlier than many had anticipated.
Samsung begins rolling out the One UI 8 Watch update in the United States. The main software, which weighs about 2GB and includes a security patch from earlier, is being made available to owners of the original Watch Ultra.
PDA build version L705USQU1BYFE in the US is the stable One UI 8 Watch upgrade that Samsung enthusiasts with Galaxy Watch Ultra may identify. It’s a significant update that adds health monitoring capabilities and a new user interface.
Samsung released the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 on July 9. Compared to the original models, this smartwatch has new colors and more storage. The Watch 8 and Watch Ultra 2025 also marked the official release of the updated Watch OS.
One UI 8 Watch update comes to US
Wear OS is the foundation of Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch. It gives your smartwatch a longer battery life. Reimagined tiles, slicker animations, and reliable functioning are all part of the company’s significant redesign.
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The next significant One UI release will be the One UI 8 update, which Samsung is developing for Android 16. Only the Galaxy S25 series is currently able to access the One UI 8 in public beta. It is being tested internally for a number of devices, though.
On Samsung’s server, the One UI 8 internal beta for the Galaxy S22 and S24 FE was recently discovered. Internal beta testing has already started for these two phones, even if they might not get the public beta. Accordingly, users of the Galaxy S24 FE and S22 can anticipate the stable One UI 8 update shortly following the release of the Galaxy S23 series.
One UI 8 internal build
Build number CYG1 was the One UI 8 internal build for the Galaxy S24 FE, and build GYG1 was the build for the Galaxy S22 series.
This result confirms that the upgrade is currently being developed, even though it might not be a significant accomplishment. Additionally, there’s a potential that the build will leak to the public because internal testing has started, providing unauthorized access to this update on these devices.
We appreciate Tarun Vats’s discovery. In contrast to the One UI 7 build, you may anticipate that the stable One UI 8 upgrade will arrive on schedule if you own a Galaxy S24 FE or Galaxy S22. Additionally, don’t wait for the public beta because Samsung often only publishes it for a select few devices, primarily the most recent flagship and mid-range models.
It is anticipated that One UI 8 will introduce some new features and significantly increase One UI performance. There will be some additions even if there might not be as many significant improvements as One UI 7. For instance, the Adaptive Lock Screen clock, which looks fantastic, will also be included. Expect some UI improvements for stock apps as well.
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