Samsung is preparing to expand the beta program for its One UI 8.5 software to a wider range of Galaxy devices. The company has reportedly detected the first beta builds for several additional flagship models on its internal servers.
According to reports, the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are likely to be the next devices to receive access to the trial version. If Samsung follows its typical rollout pattern, users in India, South Korea, and select European countries will likely be among the first to participate.
Samsung Prepares Beta for Older Flagships
Samsung initially launched the public beta program for One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 series in early December. Following the stable release of One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 in early March, the beta program was then extended to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Now, firmware observer @tarunvats33 reports that the first One UI 8.5 beta builds have appeared on Samsung’s servers for the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Such findings on internal servers typically indicate that a public beta program launch is imminent.
Samsung often employs a phased approach when releasing One UI beta versions, prioritizing its newest models before extending testing to previous-generation flagships in the following weeks. This strategy allows for a more controlled rollout of new features and improvements.
If this pattern holds, the Galaxy S24 series and Samsung’s previous-generation flagship foldable phones are the most logical candidates for the next phase of testing. This approach aligns with the company’s strategy of maintaining a measured transition of updates before a wider stable release.
Countries Likely to Gain Early Access
Based on previously observed patterns, beta builds for these devices are expected to be available first in the following regions:
- India
- South Korea
- Select European countries
Samsung frequently opens the One UI beta program on a limited basis in key markets. This allows the company to gather substantial feedback without immediately releasing the software to all regions.
For users outside of these regions, monitoring the servers for build availability remains vital. Typically, after the initial phase runs smoothly, Samsung begins to expand the reach of stable updates to more markets.
Fan Edition Devices May Join Beta Program
Another notable finding relates to Fan Edition devices. According to the same report, the first One UI 8.5 beta builds have also been detected on Samsung’s internal servers for the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy S24 FE.
This is a significant development, as Samsung has not historically included Fan Edition models in the One UI beta program on a regular basis. If confirmed, this move could broaden testing access to a segment of users previously outside the core beta priority.
The inclusion of FE devices in the testing phase could also signal a shift in strategy. Samsung appears to be aiming to align the experience between its core flagship devices and the FE variants, particularly regarding interface features, system stability, and long-term update readiness. This move reflects the increasing importance of software experience in consumer purchasing decisions.
What the Server Builds Indicate
The appearance of beta firmware on internal servers is not an official announcement, but it has often proven to be an accurate indicator of final preparation stages. In many previous instances, detected builds have been followed by a public beta program launch within a relatively short timeframe.
However, the schedule remains subject to change depending on the results of internal testing. Samsung can still delay the launch if major bugs, application compatibility issues, or concerns regarding power consumption and device performance are discovered.
For users, the beta phase presents both opportunities and considerations. Even as it allows users to try the latest features and improvements first, beta versions are typically less stable for daily use that heavily relies on the device.
One UI 9 Testing Also Underway
While One UI 8.5 is still being expanded, the same report also indicates that Samsung has been observed testing internal builds of One UI 9, based on Android 17, for the Galaxy S26 series. This demonstrates that Samsung’s update cycle continues in parallel between currently released versions and the next generation of software.
Google is scheduled to release the next generation of Android around June or July 2026. Based on that timeline, Samsung is expected to begin the One UI 9 beta program in the coming months, at least for its newest device lines.
For now, the primary focus remains on expanding One UI 8.5 to more Galaxy devices. With the stable version already available on the Galaxy S26 series, attention is now turning to when Samsung will open beta registration for the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and potentially the Fan Edition devices for the first time.
Source: www.androidpolice.com
