Samsung has begun a crucial phase of development for its next major software update, One UI 8.5. Novas firmware builds, which will be based on the future Android 16 system, have been identified on the company’s internal servers, with a focus on its line of high-performance tablets. The movement indicates that development is at an advanced stage, preparing the ground for distribution that should begin in early 2026.

The testing initiative covers not only future releases, but also current generation models, reinforcing the South Korean brand’s commitment to extended software support. Expectations among owners of devices in the Galaxy Tab line are high, as the update promises to significantly refine the user experience on large screens, optimizing features aimed at productivity, entertainment and multitasking.

Unlike what happens with the Galaxy S line of smartphones, Samsung tablets traditionally do not participate in public beta programs. Isso significa que os usuários receberão a versão estável e final do sistema operacional diretamente, assim que for considerada pronta para o lançamento em massa, após a conclusão de um rigoroso ciclo de testes internos que já está em andamento.

Devices confirmed in the internal testing phase

Expanded testing of One UI 8.5 confirmed the inclusion of a comprehensive portfolio of tablets, ensuring that the main models in the Samsung ecosystem receive the new interface. Firmware builds have been spotted for the entire Galaxy Tab S9 family, which includes the standard S9, S9 Plus and S9 Ultra variants, as well as the more affordable models in the range, the S9 FE and S9 FE Essa Broad coverage demonstrates the company’s intent to maintain software parity across its high-performance devices regardless of price point, delivering a consistent experience across its premium catalog.

In addition to covering the previous generation, preparations are already being made for the future Galaxy Tab S10 series, which has not yet been officially announced. Testing for versions Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 The inclusion of the Fan Edition (FE) models from the initial phases is a positive sign for consumers, ensuring that they will also have access to the innovations of the One UI 8.5 without long waits, consolidating the value proposition of the FE line.

Main new features expected in One UI 8.5

The One UI 8.5, which will be built on the foundation of the Android 16, is expected to introduce a series of refinements focused on improving the user experience on larger screens, consolidating the Galaxy tablets as even more versatile tools for work and play. Espera Multitasking features, one of the pillars of productivity on tablets, are expected to receive substantial improvements. Isso could include a more intuitive and flexible split-screen mode, the ability to save and launch app pairs with a single tap to streamline workflows, and a pop-up window with more granular resizing and opacity controls. DeX mode, which transforms the tablet interface into a desktop-like experience, is also expected to be improved, with more efficient window management and greater compatibility with third-party applications, making it an even more viable alternative to a traditional laptop for complex tasks. Integration with the S Pen will likely be deeper, bringing new functionality to apps like the Adicionalmente, Galaxy AI’s artificial intelligence capabilities are expected to be expanded and optimized for the tablet format, offering features such as more powerful image editing, intelligent writing assistants and content summarization capabilities that take advantage of the greater available screen space to present information in a clearer and more contextualized way.

Launch strategy and the beta program

Samsung adopts a well-defined and segmented testing strategy for its operating system updates, treating smartphones and tablets in different ways to optimize the process.

The One UI public beta program is traditionally restricted to the flagship smartphone lineup, such as the Galaxy S series, and made available in select markets, such as the Coreia of the Sul, Estados Unidos, Alemanha and Reino Unido.

This approach allows the company to collect valuable feedback from a broad and diverse user base on its highest volume product, which helps identify and fix bugs before general release.

Tablets, in turn, follow an exclusively internal development cycle, without access to public beta versions, ensuring a higher level of stability in the final version.

Improved integration with the Galaxy ecosystem

The new version of the One UI should also strengthen the synergy between the different products in the Galaxy ecosystem.

Features like Multi Control, which allows you to use a tablet’s keyboard and mouse to control an Galaxy smartphone fluidly, should become more stable and responsive.

Sharing files and content between devices, through tools like Quick Share, will also be optimized for greater speed and simplicity.

Optimizations for productivity and multitasking

One of the central focuses of One UI 8.5 for tablets will be improving productivity tools, with the aim of making Galaxy Tab devices even more capable of replacing notebooks in everyday tasks. DeX mode is one of the areas that should receive special attention, with the expectation that the interface will become more fluid and with greater application compatibility, allowing a smooth transition between tablet mode and the desktop experience.

Multi-window functionality will also be refined. Samsung seeks to make splitting the screen and using applications in floating windows a more natural and efficient experience, allowing users to work on multiple documents or applications simultaneously effortlessly. Integration with the S Pen pen will continue to be an important differentiator, with the update expected to bring new software features that take advantage of the accessory’s precision, benefiting artists, designers and students.

Guaranteed support for models Fan Edition

The confirmation that the Fan Edition (FE) models of the Tab S9 and, in the future, S10 series are included in the initial tests is excellent news for the market, as it solidifies the position of these devices within the brand’s premium portfolio.

This demonstrates that Samsung does not treat these devices as secondary products, but rather as an integral part of its strategy to offer cutting-edge technology to a wider audience.

By ensuring that FE versions receive software updates on a schedule close to that of more expensive models, the company adds significant value to the lineup and strengthens consumer confidence.

Distribution Schedule Forecast

Following the pattern of previous Samsung releases, the stable version of the Flagship tablets, such as the Tab S10 and Tab S9 series, will be among the first to receive the update, followed by other compatible models over the following months, as optimization for each hardware is completed and validated by the company’s engineering team.