The South Korean giant has begun a new strategic phase in the development of its software ecosystem, focusing on implementing the next major update for its mobile devices. The development of the One UI 8.5 interface, built on the basis of Android 16, has the main objective of improving user interaction, prioritizing fluid navigation, general system stability and simplifying the installation process for the end consumer.
Owners of compatible models will receive automatic notifications about the need to update via OTA (Over-The-Air), eliminating the need for physical connections to computers or complex manual procedures. The package of new features includes the rewrite of fundamental codes to optimize power consumption and haptic feedback, as well as critical security fixes.
Due to the technical requirements of the new architecture, which demands more robust processors for neural calculations and advanced graphics, devices launched before the Galaxy S21 line will end their cycle of major operating system updates, only maintaining support for security fixes. Esta decision reflects the need for hardware capable of supporting the innovations brought by artificial intelligence integrated into the system.
Priority for line Galaxy S
Premium category smartphones continue to be the main focus for the distribution of new software, ensuring priority access to the latest features. The new interface was adjusted to extract maximum performance from the S family chipsets, in addition to bringing significant improvements in image post-processing and the execution of heavy tasks, consolidating the brand’s position in the high-performance segment.
The Galaxy S25 series and its immediate predecessors lead the line of updates, reflecting the hardware’s ability to support the complex features of the
Check out the S line models below that will be included with the new version of the operating system:
– Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge and S25 FE
– Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra and S24 FE
– Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra and S23 FE
– Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra
– Galaxy S21 FE
Optimizations for foldables and Z series
In version 8.5 of the interface, the flexible screen segment received special attention from software engineering, with specific adjustments considering the unique format of these devices. The main focus is on the smooth transition between the external screen and the main display, as well as improved floating window management for multitasking, allowing the user to explore the full potential of the expanded screen without stuttering or rendering failures.
New settings will be available in “Flex Mode”, automatically adapting video content and apps to increase productivity when the phone is partially folded. Essa integration aims to make the use of the device more intuitive, transforming the foldable format into an even more versatile and efficient work and media consumption tool on a daily basis.
The models considered to receive these improvements include the generations that consolidated the foldable market:
– Galaxy Z Fold 7, Fold 6, Fold 5 and Fold 4
– Galaxy Z Flip 7, Flip 7 FE and Flip 6
Expansion to the intermediate line Galaxy A
The popular Galaxy A series, responsible for the brand’s largest global sales volume, is heavily included in the schedule, although the launch may occur in a second wave after the flagships. The objective is to democratize access to advanced features without compromising battery life, which is a vital factor for this audience and one of the main competitive differentiators of this category in the global market.
The optimization aims to reduce latency and improve RAM memory management on more modest hardware, ensuring that the user experience remains fluid even on devices that do not have the most powerful processors on the market. The list of candidates is extensive and covers a wide range of recently released devices.
The intermediate devices confirmed for the update are:
– Galaxy A56, A55, A54 and A53
– Galaxy A36, A35, A34 and A33
– Galaxy A26 and A25
– Galaxy A17, A17 5G, A16, A16 5G, A15 and A15 5G
Tablets and Rugged Devices
In the large screen sector, the updated Galaxy Tab line aims to transform tablets into more efficient mobile workstations. Integration with the ecosystem has been refined, allowing a fluid connection with smartphones and notebooks, as well as better compatibility with smart pens, facilitating the work of content creators and professionals who depend on mobility.
For corporate and industrial environments, the XCover and Active lines will also receive the Android 16, ensuring field tools comply with the latest security protocols. Isso ensures that companies using these devices in critical operations can keep their data protected and their operating systems up to date with the latest IT guidelines.
The full list of tablets and rugged devices covers:
– Galaxy Tab S11 and S11
– Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, S10 Ultra, S10 FE, S10 FE
– Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, S9 Ultra, S9 FE and S9 FE Plus
– Galaxy Tab S8, S8 Plus and S8 Ultra
– Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024 edition)
– Galaxy Tab A11, A11 Plus, A9 and A9 Plus
– Galaxy Tab Active 5 and Active 5 Pro
– Galaxy XCover 7, XCover 7 Pro and XCover 6 Pro
Visual improvements and privacy
In addition to hardware compatibility, One UI 8.5 introduces a stricter and more transparent privacy dashboard. Users gain granular control over which apps access sensitive data such as location, microphone and camera, with detailed usage reports and new biometric locks for critical configuration changes, raising the bar for personal security on mobile devices.
Visually, the system’s animation has been rewritten to provide a sense of immediate touch response. Ícones and menus have undergone slight design changes to improve readability, and battery charge management uses machine learning algorithms to suspend background processes that consume power unnecessarily, extending the device’s lifespan throughout the day.