Galaxy S23 Series Enters Internal One UI 8.5 Testing Phase

Earlier this week, Samsung released the first One UI 8.5 Beta update for the Galaxy S25 series. The company is also developing One UI 8.5 for other models, with the Galaxy S23 lineup recently entering the internal testing phase. The 2023 flagships are unlikely to receive beta builds, though.

Samsung kicks off One UI 8.5 testing for the Galaxy S23 series

Based on Android 16, One UI 8.5 is a relatively major “point” release from Samsung. It brings a myriad of new features, UI enhancements, and other upgrades. The update will debut with the Galaxy S26 series in the first quarter of 2026 and gradually roll out to older models. The Galaxy S23 lineup is eligible for One UI 8.5, and Samsung has started internal testing of the update.

First spotted by @Koram_Akhilesh, the latest internal firmware build carries the identifier FYLB. Of course, this may not be the final build version as Samsung will run several tests for the Galaxy S23 series before the stable rollout sometime next year. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

As far as new features are concerned, One UI 8.5 has plenty on offer. Some of the highlights include a privacy screen that blocks side views, auto call answering and screening, automatic blocking of spammy apps, additional quick panel customizations, background blur for lockscreen, storage share, private album in Gallery, automatic lockscreen layout, improved generative edit, and partial screen recording.

Samsung has also updated its apps with new features and a refined blur-focused design, while navigation and back-swipe animations feel more fluid and responsive. UI changes are equally significant. All in all, One UI 8.5 doesn’t feel like a mid-cycle software release but a major OS upgrade. Samsung is expected to roll out the second beta update for the Galaxy S25 lineup later this month.