Samsung seems to be moving faster than expected with the evolution of its software for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Just days after the official release of the stable One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S25 family, traces of One UI 8.5 have already surfaced on Samsung’s servers. 
This strongly suggests that the company isn’t simply wrapping up its current rollout but is already laying the groundwork for the next step in its custom Android skin.
The discovery of a One UI 8.5 test build for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, identified by firmware version S938BXXU5CYIA/S938BOXM5CYIA/S938BXXU5CYIA, highlights Samsung’s usual pattern of preparing iterative upgrades shortly after major releases. While enthusiasts may be eager to try this firmware, the days of downloading such test builds directly are over, as Samsung has sealed the loophole that once made internal firmware accessible to the public.
Importantly, One UI 8.5 isn’t just about the S25 Ultra. Samsung is reportedly working on similar software for the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup, expected in 2026, which could debut with the 8.5 version pre-installed. As a result, owners of the S25 series and even some older Galaxy flagships may have to wait until after the Galaxy S26 launch before they can get their hands on the stable 8.5 update. This staggered approach mirrors Samsung’s previous rollout strategies, where newer models often act as the proving ground before updates filter down to earlier devices.
For Galaxy S25 Ultra users, the news is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it confirms Samsung’s commitment to long-term support and feature-rich updates for its flagship devices. On the other, it means that while the excitement around One UI 8 is still fresh, there’s already talk of a version most users won’t be able to access for months. This kind of roadmap reflects Samsung’s race to keep its interface competitive against rivals like Google’s Pixel UI and Xiaomi’s MIUI, both of which regularly introduce AI-driven optimizations and visual refinements.
Meanwhile, buyers considering the Galaxy S25 Ultra still have plenty to celebrate. Retail listings continue to promote strong deals for the device: the 256GB model with 12GB RAM is being offered at around €899.99 in Europe and £769 in the UK, while the higher 512GB variant is hovering near €999.98 or £868.99. These competitive prices, combined with the promise of frequent and meaningful software upgrades, strengthen the S25 Ultra’s appeal as one of the top Android devices heading into late 2025.
As One UI 8.5 development progresses, we can expect further refinements in Samsung’s ecosystem. Past iterations of the “.5” updates have often introduced subtle but impactful tweaks – better multitasking, improved battery optimizations, or experimental AI tools. The appearance of this test build suggests Samsung is determined to maintain momentum, keeping its flagship smartphones relevant not just at launch but throughout their lifecycle.
1 comment
why always wait until s26? unfair for s25 users 😒