South Korean manufacturer Samsung has expanded access to the One UI 8.5 interface testing program for a new wave of smartphones. The experimental update now covers devices from previous generations, including the Galaxy S23 family and recently launched foldables. The measure allows owners to try out software tools before the final version is released. Access occurs through registration on the brand’s official app. The release takes place gradually in specific countries of Ásia, Europa and América of Norte.

The company’s move draws attention due to the inclusion of model Galaxy A36 in the list of compatible devices. Historicamente, the company reserves software tests only for high-cost phones in the S and Z lines. The entry of a device in the mid-range category represents a change in the operating system’s development strategy. The brand’s engineers seek to collect usage data on less powerful hardware to optimize the interface code. The initiative aims to ensure a more fluid transition when the definitive update is distributed globally. Users participating in the program provide crash reports directly to the programming team. The stable version of the system already operates natively on the recently launched Galaxy S26 series.

Regional distribution and eligible models

Test package availability varies depending on the user’s geographic location and smartphone model. Owners of devices Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra and the S23 FE version can now find the download option at Índia, at Coreia of Sul, at Reino Unido and Estados Unidos. The situation differs for owners of previous generation flexible screens. Access to Galaxy Z Galaxy0 5 and Galaxy1 Z Galaxy2 5 remains restricted to the South Korean and American markets at this time. The geographic restriction serves to control the volume of traffic on the manufacturer’s servers during firmware distribution. The installation package requires a stable internet connection due to the size of the file, which alters deep system components Galaxy3. The company monitors the stability of the first installations before releasing access to other regions. The internal schedule foresees the addition of new countries in the coming weeks. Galaxy4 does not yet appear on the official list of territories covered by the initial phase.

The case of Galaxy A36 presents the greatest geographical limitation of this expansion stage. The mid-range phone receives experimental firmware exclusively in Indian territory. The choice of the Asian country reflects the high market penetration of line A in the region. Developers use this installed base to test interface behavior on medium-performance processors.

Connectivity and data transfer tools

The main attraction of One UI 8.5 involves the redesign of the Quick Share system. The file sharing tool has received modifications to its wireless communication protocol. The feature now supports transferring documents, photos and videos to devices on competing platforms with greater speed. The operating mechanics bring the solution closer to the AirDrop technology used in Apple devices. The integration eliminates the need for third-party applications to send large files between different ecosystems. The new feature requires the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips to operate at specific frequencies to establish the direct connection.

Advanced connectivity functions already operate natively on the brand’s most expensive phones. Models in the series Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 have the feature activated at the factory. The arrival of the tool to older devices through the testing program occurs with some technical limitations. Determinadas Fast pairing functions may require additional updates within the experimental cycle itself. The manufacturer documents these restrictions in the release notes provided to testers.

List of devices confirmed in the new phase

The catalog of smartphones authorized to download the provisional interface exceeds 20 different models. The testing strategy covers multiple product categories to ensure software stability. The updated list includes the following equipment:

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• Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy A36

The list released by the manufacturer only reflects the current stage of the development schedule. The software engineering team is evaluating the inclusion of Galaxy Tab S11 series tablets in the next rounds of testing. Expanding the scope of devices depends on the results obtained with the current tester base. The company’s servers release vacancies progressively to avoid overloading the error reporting system. Users need to check the support app daily to confirm new registrations are opening. Registration ends automatically when the participant limit is reached.

Safety and installation procedures

Participation in the program requires technical care on the part of smartphone owners. The experimental software contains code flaws that affect the functionality of basic phone features. Aplicativos banking, contactless payment systems and heavy games often present instability or unexpected closing during use. The manufacturer recommends making a complete backup of all personal data before starting the update process. The backup guarantees the recovery of photos, contacts and messages if the device needs to be formatted to return to the stable version of the system. The experimental package is installed manually after approval of registration on the Samsung Members application. The user needs to access the phone’s settings menu and search for the software update. The operating system replacement process takes about thirty minutes and requires the battery to be charged at more than eighty percent.

Some builds distributed at this stage already include the Android security package for the month of April 2026. The integration of vulnerability fixes demonstrates the alignment of the testing program with the official Google protection calendar. Testers who find security issues have a direct channel of communication with the developers. Critical flaws are fixed through small updates sent throughout the week.

Visual refinements and interface customization

The update package changes graphic elements on the home screen and configuration menus. The quick shortcuts panel received a new grouping of icons to make it easier to activate functions with just one hand. Lock screen customization options have gained new clock styles and dynamic shortcuts. The interface adapts the system colors based on the wallpaper chosen by the user more precisely. Application opening and closing animations operate more fluidly on high refresh rate screens. Engineers rewrote part of the code responsible for managing RAM memory. The change results in lower battery consumption when using background apps.

The One UI 8.5 testing cycle progresses without a defined public end date. Distribution of the final version to the general public depends on the number of errors reported by active participants. The manufacturer remains focused on system stability before starting mass updates of old devices. Extended support reinforces the company’s policy of keeping devices updated for multiple years. The strategy increases the useful life of equipment and standardizes the user experience across the brand’s entire portfolio.