Samsung Starts Testing One UI 8.5 Update for Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung’s list of One UI 8.5 test devices continues to expand. The company has now started testing the latest software build for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. This confirms that the 2022 flagship series is in line to receive the next major feature-rich update, offering a more polished Galaxy experience.

Galaxy S22 series makes its appearance with One UI 8.5 on Samsung’s test server

Samsung launched the Galaxy S22 lineup in early 2022 with Android 12 out of the box. The company promised four major Android updates for the series. In October this year, the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra received their final major OS upgrade, Android 16-based One UI 8. So, it’s clear that the S22 series will not receive Android 17-based One UI 9 next year.

But what about One UI 8.5? Well, One UI 8.5 is a feature-focused update based on Android 16 QPR2, rather than a full Android version upgrade. So, you don’t need to worry about your Galaxy S22 device missing out. If you still need evidence, here it is: Samsung has listed the first test build of One UI 8.5 for the S22 Ultra on its server, as spotted by tipster @Koram_Akhilesh. The build carries firmware version ending in HYLF, though it may not be the final build.

However, do not expect the Galaxy S22 series to join the ongoing One UI 8.5 beta program. Samsung usually opens beta testing on its latest flagship devices first (for now, the Galaxy S25 series). So, the Galaxy S22 lineup is unlikely to be part of this early testing phase. Instead, the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra will get a stable One UI 8.5 update straight away. The final version will go official with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, expected in Q1 2026. Meanwhile, Samsung is rolling out its December 2025 security update for the Galaxy S22 series.