Image: Samsung
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 rollout began in Korea on May 6, bringing Galaxy AI upgrades to select flagship phones and tablets in phased markets.
We may earn from vendors via affiliate links or
sponsorships. This might affect product placement on our
site, but not the content of our reviews. See our Terms of Use for
details.
The wait is over.
Samsung officially kicked off the stable rollout of One UI 8.5 on May 6 in Korea, with some rumors suggesting a May 8 rollout to global markets, including India, the United States, and Europe. Outlets like Android Central reported that leaks suggest a wider rollout “later this week.”
The update closed a four-month beta cycle that ran through 10 test builds, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. Built on Android 16, One UI 8.5 brings meaningful refinements rather than a ground-up redesign.
A wide range of Galaxy devices included
Samsung is rolling out One UI 8.5 across a broad range of premium devices, signaling a strong focus on consistency across its ecosystem.
The initial rollout includes:
- Galaxy S25 series (including all variants and FE models)
- Galaxy S24 series and S24 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Tab S11 series and Galaxy Tab S10 series
Reports also indicate that newer foldable concepts and select mid-range Galaxy A-series devices may join the rollout in later phases.
The update is expected to improve areas like communication, writing assistance, and creative tools on Galaxy devices. In its announcement, the company said the update would focus on “enhancing communication and creative experiences” across Galaxy devices.
One of the most talked-about additions is a major upgrade to Quick Share, which now offers AirDrop-style compatibility. This allows Galaxy users to receive files directly from iPhones and Macs, effectively breaking down one of the biggest walls in the mobile ecosystem.
The update also introduces Now Nudge within the Samsung Keyboard and a fully customizable Quick Panel.
What’s hot at TechRepublic
How to check for the update
Samsung has placed the complete rollout schedule inside the Samsung Members app. Users can open the app, go to the Notice section, and tap the One UI 8.5 rollout roadmap banner to see when their specific device is expected to get the update.
To manually check for the update, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Samsung says additional regions will follow in the coming days. While the company hasn’t pinned exact dates for every market, the roadmap published in the Members app suggests most flagship devices will see the update within the next two to three weeks.
Also read: Samsung Display’s OLED prototypes preview brighter screens, health tracking, and stretchable displays.
Aminu Abdullahi is an experienced B2B technology and finance writer. He has written for various publications, including TechRepublic, eWEEK, Enterprise Networking Planet, eSecurity Planet, CIO Insight, Enterprise Storage Forum, IT Business Edge, Webopedia, Software Pundit, Geekflare and more.