Galaxy A17 5G and A36 Now Join One UI 8.5 Testing

Samsung recently began developing One UI 8.5 for its latest premium mid-range device, the Galaxy A56. Now, two more Galaxy A phones have joined the early testing lineup: Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy A36. This shows that the company is preparing the update even for its budget 5G models.

The first One UI 8.5 build for two budget Galaxy A devices has appeared

In August 2025, Samsung launched the Galaxy A17 5G with One UI 7 out of the box. A month later, the phone received its first major update, One UI 8, bringing a fresh software experience. As for Galaxy A36, it launched in March 2025 with One UI 7 and received One UI 8 around the same time as A17. Now, the company is preparing to bring One UI 8.5 to these mid-range devices.

Samsung has today listed the first One UI 8.5 test build for the Galaxy A17 and A36 on its test server. The firmware versions of both models end with CYL3. Note that appearing on the test server does not mean that these phones will be eligible for the ongoing One UI 8.5 beta program. Instead, it suggests that both phones are now in line for the next major software release.

As of now, Samsung has opened One UI 8.5 beta 1 for the Galaxy S25 lineup in select markets, including the US. Meanwhile, One UI 8.5 test builds have also been spotted for other flagship models, including the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE. Some of these premium models may join the upcoming beta waves if the company decides to expand the program.

Regarding the stable launch, Samsung may debut stable One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series, likely in January or February 2026. The company will then gradually roll out to other eligible devices, including mid-range phones like the Galaxy A17 5G and A36.