- First internal One UI 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra detected on servers, no public beta yet.
- It is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026 before being rolled out via OTA to compatible models.
- Visual changes: bottom search bar, floating back button, shadows, gradients, and a moderate "glass" effect.
- Possible improvements since Android 16 QPR2: new icon shapes, pedometer in Health Connect, improved memory management, and OTP protection.
The leaks have not been long in coming: while One UI 8 begins to roll out, There are already solid references to One UI 8.5 circulating on Samsung's servers.Various sources have found a first internal firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a sign that the project is moving forward behind closed doors even though there is no public beta yet.
Everything points to this mid-range version debuting alongside the next flagship family. If the pattern of previous years is repeated, One UI 8.5 will accompany the Galaxy S26 and will later roll out to compatible models via an OTA update. It's best to take it slow: debut with the Galaxy S26 range y progressive deployment after.
Firmware on servers and development status
In internal records The S938BXXU5CYIA build associated with the S25 Ultra has appeared., with no packages available for public download. This is evidence that Samsung has already compiles functional builds, but keeps development behind closed doors and without an open testing schedule.
Previous reports indicate that the company It has been undergoing months of internal testing on One UI 8.5, with validation on laboratory equipment and without release notes. Expectations should be tempered: The leap will not be immediate and there are still internal iterations ahead..
Today there is no definitive list of changes; Features appearing in early builds may vary or be delayed based on stability and internal feedback.
Planned launch and devices
The most likely roadmap places One UI 8.5 as the stock software for the Galaxy S26 series principles of 2026. Afterwards, and following the brand's usual behavior, it would arrive via OTA to the Galaxy S25 and other eligible models in the following weeks.
Amongst the Devices that are expected to fall into that plan include the S25, S24, S23 and S22 ranges, the recent foldables (Z Fold6/5/4 and Z Flip6/5/4), FE variants and a a large part of the Galaxy A catalog latest batch. It's a wide compatibility planned, in line with the long-standing support that Samsung has been offering.
Meanwhile One UI 8 —based on Android 16— continues its stable deployment; One UI 8.5 will build on that foundation with targeted improvements and interface tweaks, without breaking the current experience.
Leaked design changes
The first screenshots reveal a cleaner style with transparencies and 'crystal' effect Moderate, soft shadows, and subtle gradients in the containers. It's not a radical redesign, but rather an evolution toward a more modern and coherent look.
In Settings, items appear more compact and secondary subtitles are removed to show more options on the screen. Additionally, search results They are sorted by category in a three-column grid to locate settings with fewer taps.
There is also a floating back button with shadow when entering submenus, and in the Phone app a “pill”-shaped dock for the keyboard, recents, and contacts that brings the controls closer to your thumb.
Home apps like Galaxy Themes and Studio adjust your navigation and visual hierarchy, while Device care shows larger indicators, with more readable percentages and graphs; in general, shadows and gradients They provide depth and hierarchy.
Another new feature detected in the code is Private Screena whirlpool bath, option that reduces the side visibility of the panel to avoid prying eyesIt can be activated manually, linked to specific apps, and offers a maximum privacy mode with additional dimming.
AI and functions in testing
La search bar AI assisted It gains prominence by being placed at the bottom and "floating" over the menus., with the aim of speeding up one-handed access and offering contextual hints more useful.
Among the features under evaluation is a voicemail with real time transcription in the Phone app, along with new actions for Routines that improve automation and coexistence with Samsung and Google ecosystem services.
As with any early build, these pieces could be delayed, change shape, or not make the stable release cut if they don't meet the criteria. stability and performance.
What Android 16 QPR2 points to
Android 16 QPR2 betas hint at what Samsung might add: new icon shapes to unify the aesthetics (circle, rounded square, and four- and seven-sided “cookie” variants, among others), accessible from Backgrounds and Personalization.
Health Connect —a joint platform between Google and Samsung— incorporates tracking of native steps and expands health metrics, an improvement that fits well with the company's plans to integrate more data into its ecosystem.
On the performance side, the generational garbage collector Concurrent Mark-Compact promises a memory management more efficient, with lower CPU load and a smoother system.
It also strengthens the one-time password protection against malicious apps, a security change that Samsung can adopt in its layer to increase user protection.
One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be a Intermediate update that polishes the interface and privacy, adds AI and performance improvements and incorporates, where possible, new features from the Android 16 QPR cycle. The most likely plan is to launch with the Galaxy S26 and, from there, gradually reach a good number of compatible devices.
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