Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta Program Expected to Begin in November

Samsung is preparing a surprise for its most dedicated fans: the One UI 8.5 beta program is on the way, and insiders suggest it could arrive as soon as late November. While the full release of One UI 8.0 (based on Android 16) hasn’t even reached all eligible devices, Samsung is already deep into testing the next evolution of its interface.

For those following Samsung’s software journey, this rapid transition marks one of the most aggressive development cycles in recent memory.

The upcoming One UI 8.5 is expected to make its official debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year. As with previous versions, nearly all devices eligible for One UI 8.0 are likely to get this next update. What’s fascinating this time is Samsung’s decision to open a beta program for a mid-cycle update – something the company rarely does. According to sources, the beta rollout could begin in the final days of November or during the week starting November 24, targeting users eager to test new features before the broader release.

Breaking tradition with the One UI 8.5 beta

Samsung’s approach here is far from ordinary. Typically, the company reserves beta programs for major overhauls, but its software strategy has become increasingly dynamic. One UI 7.0 already disrupted the usual release calendar by arriving in April 2025, months ahead of schedule, skipping the expected late-2024 release window. Instead of issuing smaller incremental updates afterward, Samsung jumped directly to One UI 8.0 – which itself came with a full beta phase. Now, One UI 8.5 continues that fast-paced rhythm, tying into the Galaxy S26’s launch cycle and setting the stage for another wave of early testers.

Details remain scarce about which countries will get access to the One UI 8.5 beta, though historically, markets like South Korea, the U.S., Germany, and India have led participation in Samsung’s test programs. It’s likely these same regions will once again be first in line. The range of supported devices will probably include all flagship models from the past two years, from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5. Other users may have to wait for the stable rollout that’s expected to coincide with the S26 series reveal.

Leaked One UI 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra hints that this update will emphasize visual polish rather than fundamental changes. Expect smoother animations, refined icons, and improved system-wide fluidity. While the core Android 16 features remain intact, Samsung appears focused on enhancing usability and aesthetics – fine-tuning what’s already one of the most feature-rich skins in the Android ecosystem. November is shaping up to be an exciting month for Galaxy users eager to glimpse the future of One UI.