Samsung ramps up development of One UI 8.5, the next major update to its user interface, expanding the internal testing phase to an extensive list of Galaxy devices. Enquanto public beta program recently concluded for the Galaxy S25 series, the South Korean giant is now focusing its efforts on optimizing the software for a diverse range of hardware, including foldable smartphones, mid-range models, and tablets. Esta acceleration in alpha testing, which takes place internally, signals that the company is in the final stages of preparation before starting to distribute the stable version, scheduled to take place throughout 2026, bringing significant improvements in performance, privacy and artificial intelligence features to millions of users.
The strategy of testing the new interface across a vast portfolio of products is crucial to ensuring system stability and compatibility. By including devices from different generations and price segments, Samsung engineers are able to identify and correct specific flaws in each hardware before the update reaches the end consumer.
Unlike the beta program, which allows selected users to participate, the alpha phase is restricted to the company’s developers. Este A more controlled process allows for the implementation of deeper code changes and the validation of new features in a secure environment, paving the way for a more robust and reliable public release.
S25 Series Public Beta Program
The One UI 8.5 public beta program was made available exclusively to owners of the Galaxy S25, S25 the objective of collecting direct feedback from a controlled group of users about stability and new features under real-world use conditions.
During this phase, Samsung released several builds, each bringing bug fixes reported by the community and incremental improvements to the system’s overall performance. Participants highlighted notable gains in the fluidity of animations and optimization of battery consumption, indicating that the company has focused on refining the user experience. The high demand for places in the program led to registrations closing quickly, demonstrating the public’s great interest in the interface’s new features.
Expansion of internal testing
With the end of the public beta phase, Samsung now directs its resources to the alpha phase, which advances in parallel and covers a significantly larger list of devices. The Esta stage is essential for the final polishing of the One UI 8.5, as it allows the company to prepare the update to be compatible with the particularities of dozens of different models, from the most recent releases to devices that have been on the market for a few years. The approach ensures that the update maintains a high quality standard across the entire Galaxy ecosystem, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its policy of extended and comprehensive software support for different product categories.
Foldable devices in focus
Samsung’s lineup of foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z, receives priority attention during internal testing of One UI 8.5. Modelos like Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are undergoing rigorous evaluations to optimize multitasking capabilities and app continuity on flexible displays.
The company also included previous generations in the validation, such as the Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.
Optimizations focus on improving the split-screen usage experience, transitioning apps between the external and internal screen, and overall system stability in a form factor that requires more complex software adaptations.
Inclusion of line Galaxy S
In addition to the S25 series, which led the beta program, several other smartphones from the Galaxy S line are actively participating in internal testing. The inclusion ranges from the Galaxy S24 family, including its Plus, Ultra and FE variants, to older models such as the S23 and S22 series.
This strategy demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to keeping its high-end devices up to date with the latest software innovations for years to come. The tests ensure that the features of One UI 8.5 work perfectly on the different processors and camera sets present in these generations.
Intermediate A-series models
Samsung extends the testing of One UI 8.5 to a significant number of devices from the popular Galaxy A line, ensuring that new features are not restricted to the most expensive models. Recent Dispositivos such as the A56 and A36 are receiving development builds for compatibility validation.
Devices that were highly successful in previous years, such as the A55, A35, A54 and A34, are also part of the program. Essa broad coverage is essential, as line A represents a significant volume of sales for the company worldwide.
Developers are working to optimize the performance of the new interface on more modest hardware. Fine adjustments aim to deliver a fluid and responsive user experience, adapting resources to the processor and screen specifications of these models.
This approach democratizes access to advanced software features, reinforcing the value perceived by consumers who opt for the brand’s mid-range smartphones.
Galaxy tablets in the testing phase
The Samsung tablet lineup, led by the Galaxy Tab S series, is also a centerpiece of One UI 8.5 internal testing. The company is working on exclusive features to take advantage of the larger screen space, with a focus on productivity and multitasking. Modelos like the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11
Expected benefits of the update
One UI 8.5 promises to introduce significant improvements across the entire Galaxy ecosystem. The main focus is on refining artificial intelligence resources, which should become more integrated and contextual, as well as performance optimizations aimed at greater energy efficiency and agility in executing tasks.
The update is also expected to bring new interface customization options and a reinforcement of privacy and security tools, giving users greater control over their data. The update’s broad compatibility reaffirms Samsung’s software support policy, one of the longest in the Android market.