Samsung plans to launch a public beta of One UI 8.5 in late November 2025, an unusual move for an interim update. According to SamMobile, the first beta could be available in the last week of the month, around November 24.
The unusual thing is that Samsung doesn't usually beta test interim versions of its interface, but recent releases have broken the traditional schedule. In particular, One UI 7.0 was released in April 2025, rather than late 2024, after which the company skipped point updates and immediately moved on to One UI 8.0.
The One UI 8.5 update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and is expected to bring a number of visual and functional changes. It is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series, which will be released in early 2026.
It is currently unknown which devices will participate in the beta program, but it is expected to include flagships from the last two years. The geography of testing also remains unknown, although it can be assumed that it will include countries that traditionally participate in similar Samsung programs.
We previously reported that One UI 8.5 could bring double-tap gestures to the back panel, and Samsung Gallery could stop backing up photos to Microsoft OneDrive. You can learn more about the One UI 8.5 update in SamMobile's video below.