Samsung has formally launched its latest software update dubbed One UI 8.5. This move comes as part of the South Korean tech giant’s ongoing effort to make its line-up of smartphones more AI-friendly. Since April 30, 2026, the update has been rolling out across selected flagship models, followed by a larger rollout to other devices in subsequent weeks.
This new version of One UI is more than just an ordinary software update. In truth, it comes after a series of efforts from Samsung as part of its strategic move to equip its devices with more advanced AI technologies – which Samsung has been doing ever since it introduced the Galaxy AI features back in 2024.
But, what makes One UI 8.5 special and which models are getting the treatment first? Find out all about it here!
Phased Rollout Approach
It appears that Samsung once again decided to stick with its typical phased rollout approach for the new software update. Therefore, even though the official date of rollouts falls on April 30, 2026, not all users will get it simultaneously.
The first stage of the One UI 8.5 launch kicks off from South Korea, Samsung’s native land, followed by an international roll-out to North America, Europe, and Asia shortly thereafter.
By the beginning of May, specifically around May 4th, the update will reach most other regions of the globe. From there, Samsung plans to expand support to older flagships and even some mid-range phones throughout the remaining part of May and into June.
This gradual approach enables Samsung to test out their new OS, resolve possible issues, and ensure optimal performance before rolling it out to millions of devices.
One UI 8.5 First Devices
It makes sense that Samsung would begin with its most recent flagship handsets. These models will be the first to receive the stable One UI 8.5:
Wave One (April/May)
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 FE
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Galaxy Z Flip 7
Thanks to their up-to-date specifications, these models have been chosen to provide flawless performance with the newest innovations of One UI 8.5.
Second Wave of One UI 8.5 Update
Not far behind comes the turn of Samsung’s flagships of 2024:
Wave Two (May)
Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Third Wave: Old Flagships + Additional Devices
Samsung has also announced that older flagships will receive the software update, although they might not be able to use all of the AI capabilities because of hardware restrictions.
Third Wave (Mid-May to June)
Galaxy S23 Series
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy Z Fold 5
Galaxy Z Flip 5
Moreover, some mid-range models, such as recent Galaxy A-series phones, will get the software update in the late part of the release schedule.
New Features in One UI 8.5
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 puts emphasis on artificial intelligence, user experience, and performance. It seems like the company has made a considerable effort to make its newest software version a significant step towards smarter phones.
Now let’s analyze the most prominent features.
Artificial Intelligence Comes First
First of all, One UI 8.5 brings an extensive range of AI-powered technologies, commonly known as Galaxy AI.
Enhanced Bixby
Samsung’s virtual assistant has gotten an overhaul and now works in close cooperation with Perplexity AI, which significantly increases its capabilities to understand and perform complex operations.
In other words, instead of going through menu screens, users can talk freely. For instance:
Call Screening: AI Manages Unknown Calls
Another highly practical addition is the Call Screening feature of the device. It enables your phone to automatically answer calls made from unknown contacts.
The phone records the call made by the person on the other end, displays the transcript, and enables you to take action depending on the content.
Considering how common spam and scam calls have become, this could be a really handy addition for many users.
Creative Studio: AI Creates Images for You
Creative Studio is Samsung’s latest tool for creating images and designs.
With this feature, users will be able to:
Convert sketch drawings into digital art pieces
Create various artistic designs for pictures
Edit their images using suggestions provided by AI
For all of those social media and content creators, this would be an incredibly useful addition.
Photo Assist: Smarter Photo Editing Options
Another very important addition made to Samsung phones by the company is Photo Assist. This feature helps to enhance its photo editing capabilities through AI.
Now, users will be able to:
Eliminate unwanted objects in photos
Automatically change the composition of an image
Make adjustments to image lighting
All of these options aim to make photo editing more convenient and intuitive for people.
Improved Audio Eraser Functionality
The upgraded Audio Eraser capability provides users the ability to regulate sound in real-time when watching video footage or audio.
Specifically, this functionality enables:
Voice isolation
Sound reduction
Increased dialogue audibility
The Audio Eraser works with other applications, such as YouTube, Netflix, or Instagram, providing versatility to the users.
Other Features of One UI 8.5 Update
In addition to the AI features, the new version also offers some significant system enhancements:
Improvement of connection problems with Bluetooth devices
Black screen problem fixing that appeared during the incoming call
System performance and stability optimization
Battery usage improvement
Thus, the update provides better performance.
Samsung’s AI Strategy
Samsung’s choice to offer advanced AI functionality to older models stems from the following strategy. Since 2024, Samsung has stressed its desire to increase Galaxy AI users to 100 million people. Instead of confining the premium features to only the newest models, Samsung offers them to a wider range of gadgets.
Such an approach increases user satisfaction and creates a stronger ecosystem, as people who use advanced Samsung tools will probably remain within the ecosystem.
Samsung vs. Competitors
Compared to other manufacturers, Samsung’s policy significantly differs. For instance, Apple and Google usually limit advanced functionality only to newer devices.
Things You Should Know
While waiting for One UI 8.5, consider some points below:
The update will be rolled out in stages
Carrier-branded phones might get the update late
All new features might not be available in your phone
Stable internet access is required to download the new version
You can check for the latest updates via:
Settings > Software Update > Download and Install
Concluding Statement
Overall, One UI 8.5 is an incredibly valuable software upgrade for Samsung. Thanks to the company’s focus on artificial intelligence, enhanced usability, and increased compatibility across a wide range of devices, One UI 8.5 offers significant improvements for millions of Galaxy smartphone owners.
From voice assistance to call screeners and improved picture editing tools, One UI 8.5 promises to make your daily life with your smartphone more productive and enjoyable.
If you are a proud owner of the latest Galaxy flagships, you can now enjoy the benefits of One UI 8.5 right away. Otherwise, you will have to be patient until Samsung completes its phased rollout in May and June.
In today’s market full of seemingly minor software upgrades, One UI 8.5 is a significant step towards AI-powered smartphones for everyone.