Since the rollout of One UI 7, we’ve seen it all. The Android 15-based One UI 7 update will go down in recent history as the most delayed software update. Thankfully, it’s rolling out in full swing, reaching a bunch of devices in recent days. Unsurprisingly, rumors and leaks about One UI 8 are making rounds lately. One such report claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 will debut with One UI 8, skipping One UI 7 entirely.
Galaxy S26 series could debut with One UI 8.5 early next year
We already know that Samsung has no plans to release One UI 7.1 or even 7.1.1. While this is somewhat unusual, it could mark the beginning of a new direction altogether. On that note, a new report suggests that Samsung may be planning to debut the Galaxy S26 Ultra with One UI 8.5.
Yes, that means there won’t be a One UI 8.1 either. This could signal the start of how Samsung plans to approach future updates and potentially reclaim the broken update cycle. It also hints at the return of the previous .5 update cycle, which the company discontinued in 2020.
SammyPolice spotted code references to One UI 8.5, confirming that Samsung is developing Android 16-based One UI 8.5. This is something we hadn’t heard before, but it’s not entirely surprising. The publication also speculates on what One UI 8.5 might include.
According to their findings, Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update may introduce more AI features. Potential areas of enhancement could include “call management, messaging, camera modes, gallery organization, and smart system suggestions.” While the publication doesn’t go into much detail, it suggests that One UI 8.5 will likely build on and improve existing features.
It might seem a bit unusual, but it actually makes sense. Samsung is already running late, and releasing One UI 8 early might be the only way it can stay in step with Android’s schedule. If Samsung does go ahead with a One UI 8.5 update, the .5 label gives it more weight — it feels more substantial than a minor .1 release.
