Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Series Begin Testing with One UI 8.5 Firmware Builds

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch may still be several months away, but work on the new flagship lineup is already well underway. As the devices approach mass production, the company has begun testing One UI 8.5 software for them. The 2026 flagships will introduce a host of new features and enhancements.

Samsung is testing One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S26 lineup

Samsung will launch three new flagships in early 2026 (or maybe four?). While the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra are pretty much confirmed, the company may also introduce a Galaxy S26+. As we wait for more information, some eagle-eyed users spotted One UI 8.5 firmware builds for the Edge and Ultra models on Samsung’s servers.

First reported by Aptivi, multiple regional firmware builds have surfaced for these two Galaxy S26 models. Of course, the internal firmware listings don’t explicitly mention the One UI version, but it’s no secret that the upcoming flagships will ship with One UI 8.5. Current development builds include:

• Galaxy S26 Edge [SM-S947]
  • S947NKSU0AYJ5 – Korea
  • S947USQU0AYJ6 – U.S. (carrier-locked)
  • S947U1UEU0AYJ5 – U.S. (unlocked)
  • S947BXXU0AYJ5 – Global
• Galaxy S26 Ultra [SM-S948]
  • S948NKSU0AYJ5 – Korea
  • S948USQU0AYJ6 – U.S. (carrier-locked)
  • S948U1UEU0AYJ5 – U.S. (unlocked)
  • S948BXXU0AYJ5 – Global

Beyond software, the Galaxy S26 series is rumored to introduce subtle but notable design changes. Leaks suggest the return of a distinct camera bump after the flush design seen in previous generations, along with a thinner body profile for improved ergonomics. Combined with Samsung’s next-gen Exynos 2600 chipset and AI-centric enhancements, the S26 lineup is shaping up to be one of the company’s most refined flagships yet.

With One UI 8.5 now in active development and testing, Samsung’s early 2026 launch window appears firmly on schedule. More details about the Galaxy S26 lineup’s hardware, AI upgrades, and launch plans should emerge in the weeks ahead. Whether the Plus model makes the cut or gets scrapped, that mystery won’t stay unsolved for long.