Samsung’s latest One UI 8.5 software update, which debuted with the Galaxy S26 series last month, is poised to expand to a wider range of devices. The rollout began with beta testing for the Galaxy S25 series in December, and has since extended to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Now, evidence suggests Samsung is preparing to open the One UI 8.5 beta program to its 2024 flagship phones, potentially as early as this month, offering users a first look at the novel features and improvements.
The expansion of the beta program signals Samsung’s commitment to refining the software experience for a broader user base before its official public release. This iterative approach allows the company to gather valuable feedback and address potential issues, ensuring a smoother transition for all Galaxy device owners. The One UI 8.5 update brings a wealth of changes, including significant AI upgrades and improvements to its virtual assistant, Bixby, and the Now Brief feature.
Samsung Prepares to Expand One UI 8.5 Beta Testing
First beta builds for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 have been spotted on Samsung’s servers, according to reports. This discovery indicates the South Korean tech giant is actively preparing to launch the beta program for these 2024 flagship devices. The firmware versions identified are F956BXXU3ZZCB for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and F741BXXU3ZZCB for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. The initial rollout of the beta is expected to be geographically limited, potentially including India, South Korea, and select European countries, with the timeline varying by region.
The discovery of these beta builds was first reported on X (formerly Twitter) by user @tarunvats33.
Samsung is preparing to release the first One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. pic.twitter.com/wJqJq9wJ9q
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) March 13, 2026
Fan Edition Devices Potentially Included in Beta Program
In a surprising development, beta builds for the Galaxy S25 FE and S24 FE have likewise been identified on internal servers. This is particularly noteworthy as Samsung has historically not included its Fan Edition (FE) devices in its beta testing programs. If confirmed, this marks a potential shift in Samsung’s strategy, extending the opportunity to test new software features to a wider audience. However, it’s important to note that these builds could also be for internal testing purposes only.
The inclusion of FE models in the beta program could indicate Samsung is placing greater emphasis on gathering feedback from users of its more affordable devices. The Galaxy S24 FE, for example, offers many of the flagship features at a more accessible price point, and ensuring a smooth software experience for these users is crucial. The Galaxy S25 FE is expected to follow a similar approach, and the beta testing could help refine the software specifically for these devices.
Following the beta phase, the stable One UI 8.5 update is expected to roll out to the Galaxy S25 series first, given its early involvement in the beta program. The Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 are then expected to receive the update, though the duration of their beta testing period may be shorter than that of the S25 series. The timeline for the update’s arrival on other eligible devices remains unclear, but Samsung is expected to provide more details in the coming weeks.
As SammyFans.com reported earlier this week, Samsung appears to be strategically pacing the rollout of One UI 8.5, beginning with the S26 series and gradually expanding to older devices.
Samsung has not yet announced a firm schedule for the wider rollout of One UI 8.5. Users interested in participating in the beta program should monitor official Samsung channels and community forums for updates on availability in their region. The next key milestone will be the official announcement of the beta program launch for the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6, which is anticipated to occur within the next few weeks.
What are your thoughts on the new One UI 8.5 features? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow Samsung enthusiasts!
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