Samsung Prepares One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung is already setting its sights on the future of foldable software experiences. The company has quietly begun developing One UI 8.5 for its next-generation foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This news surfaced just as the stable One UI 8 release started rolling out to the Fold 6, signaling Samsung’s strategy of moving in parallel – enhancing current devices while preparing cutting-edge updates for the upcoming lineup.

Based on Samsung’s update history, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be the very first foldable to officially receive One UI 8.5 once it becomes available to the public next year.

Following closely, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 should join the rollout, while older foldables will gradually get the update afterward. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series is set to ship with One UI 8.5 pre-installed, underscoring how central this software refresh is to Samsung’s roadmap.

So, what exactly might One UI 8.5 bring to the table? Reports suggest Samsung could revamp its native apps with notable UI adjustments. The Korean tech giant is also said to be experimenting with more translucent design elements, reminiscent of Apple’s iOS 26 Liquid Glass style. If implemented broadly, this could make the interface feel lighter and more fluid, giving Fold users an even more immersive experience. On top of that, Samsung’s much-publicized Galaxy AI features may expand to include intelligent notification summaries and smarter spam call protection – two additions that could significantly improve day-to-day usability.

Clues about the scope of One UI 8.5 have already appeared: early builds of the firmware have been spotted running on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This gives enthusiasts and developers a first glimpse of what’s to come and hints that more detailed leaks about features are imminent. The big question is whether Samsung will deliver a transformative update this time. Many users felt that One UI 8 offered only incremental improvements. With One UI 8.5, expectations are considerably higher, especially as foldable devices become the centerpiece of Samsung’s innovation strategy.

In short, One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be more than just a maintenance update. It could be Samsung’s opportunity to refine its foldable experience, modernize visuals, and showcase the next phase of Galaxy AI integration. For fans of the Galaxy Z Fold series, the software’s evolution may prove just as exciting as the hardware it powers.