Samsung Brings One UI 8.5 Beta Program to More Galaxy Devices

Samsung expands One UI 8.5 beta to Galaxy S24, Fold6, Flip6, FE models, and Tab S11.

Samsung has expanded the One UI 8.5 beta program to a wider range of Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy S24 FE, and Galaxy Tab S11. The beta rollout is live in India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with more devices and regions expected in April 2026.

Key Highlights of One UI 8.5 Beta Expansion

• Eligible Devices (March 2026): Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S25 FE, S24 FE, Tab S11
• Regions Covered: India, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States (more regions expected in April 2026)
• New Features Introduced: Enhanced Bixby, partial screen recording, redesigned battery interface, smoother animations

Why This Expansion Matters

Samsung’s decision to extend One UI 8.5 beta access beyond its newest flagships ensures that users of slightly older premium devices can experience cutting-edge features ahead of the stable release. This strengthens ecosystem consistency and future-proofs devices like the Galaxy S24 series.

The March 2026 security patch, which fixes 67 vulnerabilities, is required before joining the beta, ensuring stability and security during testing.

Comparison Table: One UI 8.5 Beta Rollout

Device Series	Beta Availability	Key Features Introduced
Galaxy S25 Series	Already live	Full One UI 8.5 experience
Galaxy S24 Series	March 2026	Bixby upgrade, battery redesign
Z Fold6 / Z Flip6	March 2026	Partial screen recording
S25 FE / S24 FE	March 2026	Performance optimizations
Tab S11	March 2026	Tablet-specific UI refinements
Other Devices	April 2026 (expected)	Wider rollout planned

Risks and Considerations

• Beta Instability: Users may encounter bugs, app crashes, or battery drain.
• Regional Restrictions: Availability varies by market; some regions may need to wait until April or later.
• Security Patch Requirement: Devices must be updated to the March 2026 patch before enrolling.

How to Join the Beta Program

1. Update your device to the March 2026 security patch.
2. Open the Samsung Members app.
3. Navigate to “Beta Programs” and register for One UI 8.5.
4. Wait for the OTA (over-the-air) beta update notification.

Conclusion

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta expansion marks a significant step in unifying its ecosystem across both new and slightly older Galaxy devices. By offering early access to a broader user base, Samsung reinforces its commitment to innovation, security, and user experience. The stable release is expected later in 2026, following feedback from beta testers worldwide.