Samsung has started pushing One UI 8.5 to a limited set of Galaxy devices, and the first wave is already drawing attention from users waiting for new AI features this month. The rollout is beginning with premium hardware, including flagship phones, foldables, and high-end tablets, before expanding more widely in the months ahead.
The update first began reaching devices in South Korea on 6 May, and availability will vary by model, carrier, and region because Samsung is rolling it out in stages. That means some Galaxy owners may see the update sooner than others, even among devices in the same product family.
Which Galaxy devices are in the first wave
Samsung’s initial rollout includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy S25 FE. The previous generation is also represented, with the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Galaxy S24 FE joining the early list.
Foldables are part of the first distribution as well. Samsung has confirmed the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6 for the opening phase, showing that the company is prioritizing both its newest premium devices and last year’s high-end models.
What One UI 8.5 is bringing
One UI 8.5 places a strong emphasis on Galaxy AI, with improvements aimed at productivity, creativity, and communication. Samsung is also refining existing Galaxy AI features so the overall experience feels more complete on phones and tablets.
The update is not limited to smart features. Samsung is also introducing smoother animations, better multitasking, refreshed native apps, and a more polished day-to-day experience across Galaxy devices.
Bixby is part of the package too, although Samsung has not detailed every change in the release. The company is also adding a new way to share inside the Galaxy ecosystem so phones, tablets, and foldables can connect more seamlessly.
Not every device will get the same AI features
Samsung has made it clear that One UI 8.5 will not deliver identical AI features to every Galaxy device. Feature availability will still depend on the model, carrier, and region, so the experience can differ even among users on the same software version.
That matters especially for owners of devices outside the first rollout group. Some Galaxy users may receive the update, but not every AI capability may appear at the same time or on every model.
Who may still receive it this month
Beyond the officially confirmed first wave, reports suggest that several other devices could also receive One UI 8.5 this month. That list includes the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Galaxy S23 FE.
The same reports also mention the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, which already appear in the initial rollout group. Galaxy Tab S10 and Galaxy Tab S11 are also said to be in line for the update.
Samsung is expected to expand One UI 8.5 to more Galaxy devices over the coming months, including the Galaxy S23 series. For users who are not in the first distribution batch, the software still has a clear path to more markets and more models.
How to check manually on your device
Galaxy owners can check the update manually by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. That is the safest way to confirm availability, since staged rollouts can make the timing different from one device to another.
Samsung had also started beta testing for One UI 8.5 before the stable release began in May. For owners of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, recent foldables, or premium tablets included in the early list, the new AI-focused update may arrive sooner than for others.
Source: sundayguardianlive.com
