South Korean manufacturer Samsung has officially expanded the One UI 8.5 test program to a new range of smartphones. The expansion announced in April 2026 includes high-performance devices from the Galaxy S23 series and marks the debut of intermediate models in the experimental phase. Initial release occurs gradually in select markets such as Coreia of Sul, Índia, Reino Unido and Estados Unidos.
The strategic move aims to accelerate software development before the stable version is released to the general public. The initiative requires owners of compatible devices to register in advance on the brand’s official platforms. The action reinforces the company’s commitment to optimizing the user experience through direct feedback from consumers, correcting flaws before mass distribution.
Aparelhos selected and markets included in the new phase
The list of equipment recently added to the testing program covers different categories of the Asian company’s portfolio. Owners of the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra models can now try out the operating system’s new features. The Galaxy S23 FE special version also integrates the preliminary update schedule, ensuring that users of cost-effective editions participate in the development process.
The foldable screen segment received specific attention at this stage of the software calendar. The Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 smartphones have entered the system compatibility list. Initial availability for these flexible models remains restricted to Coreia, Sul and Estados Unidos users. Geo-throttling represents a common practice in the early stages of testing to control the volume of data received by servers.
The highlight of the expansion is the inclusion of the Galaxy A36 5G. The device marks the first time that a device from the mid-range family officially participates in the One UI 8.5 beta program. Tests for this specific model began with the Índia market, demonstrating the importance of the Asian region for the manufacturer’s global strategy in the medium-cost segment.
The current experimental phase complements the work started in March with the latest generation devices. Aparelhos like the Galaxy S24 line, the foldable Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, in addition to the Galaxy Tab S11 series tablets, have been running preliminary versions of the system for a few weeks. The company plans to add even more models to the evaluation program by the end of April.
New Integração makes it easier to send files to the Apple ecosystem
One of the most anticipated tools by testers involves the complete redesign of the data transfer system. The beta introduces native Quick Share integration with direct AirDrop support. The functionality eliminates historical communication barriers between different platforms, creating a digital bridge between rival ecosystems.
The feature drastically simplifies sharing photos, high-resolution videos and heavy documents. Usuários from Galaxy devices can now quickly send files to owners of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. The technological collaboration between Android and iOS eliminates the need to install third-party applications in most everyday information exchange scenarios.
The novelty was already present in more recent models and now reaches devices that entered the new wave of tests. The tool requires participants to keep their system applications strictly updated. Relatos community members indicate that the full functioning of the cross-platform transfer depends on the latest version of Quick Share, available for free download from Google Play or Galaxy Store.
Requisitos for participation and features in development
Early access to system innovations requires attention to specific security and compatibility procedures. Interested parties must have an active account and register directly through the Samsung Members application. The platform automatically checks the smartphone’s eligibility before releasing the installation package via the internet.
The manufacturer strongly recommends creating a complete backup of all personal data before starting the process. Softwares in the beta phase often presents instabilities, unexpected application crashes and high battery consumption. The current package includes the April 2026 security patch, ensuring protection against recent vulnerabilities discovered in the digital environment.
Testers have the opportunity to evaluate various visual and structural modifications to the operating system. The preliminary update package includes the following new features:
- Redesigned app Ícones with cleaner, more modern aesthetics.
- Quick Settings Painel with new shortcut customization options.
- Ajustes enhanced lock screen with interactive widgets.
- Performance Otimizações focused on fluidity and RAM memory management.
- Novas artificial intelligence-based tools for image editing.
The constant submission of error reports by participants shapes the final version of the software. The engineering team analyzes the data collected daily to fix critical flaws. The collaborative process speeds up development and ensures greater stability for the final release.
Cronograma of expansion and expectations for the Brazilian public
The testing program remains inaccessible to most global consumers at this early stage. The company has not released an official date for the arrival of the One UI 8.5 beta to Brasil or other América Latina countries. The release strategy follows a strict pattern of successive waves of availability based on specific regions.
Consumers not residing in the initial markets should follow official announcements or check notifications on the Samsung Members app. The manufacturer’s usual schedule suggests that the final and stable update will begin to be distributed globally over the next few months, shortly after the end of the data collection period.
The strategy of expanding the beta to older lines and mid-range devices highlights a change in the technology market. The expansion of software support reaffirms the longevity policy adopted by the brand, seeking to keep devices updated for longer periods and offering cutting-edge features to a larger user base.