Leak: Samsung officially announces One UI 8.5 with Galaxy S26 Ultra
The first data on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra software confirms that a new version of the One UI 8.5 interface will debut with this model.
Here's What We Know
Recently, the first firmware for the upcoming flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone has appeared on Samsung's server. Although it was previously assumed that it was based on One UI 8.5, there was no official confirmation. Now, the leaked firmware with version S948USQU0AYG8 officially points to Android 16 and One UI 8.5.
This is the first time One UI 8.5 has been mentioned officially, confirming the existence of a new version of the interface. The details of the update are still being investigated, but it is known that Samsung plans to introduce major One UI updates with the Galaxy Z series in the middle of the year. In six months, the company may release One UI x.5 along with the new Galaxy S models. Although One UI 8.5 is labelled "x.5", this update will bring significant new features and improvements.
Google has switched to a new Android development model and now releases major updates to the OS in the middle of the year. To align its schedule with Google, Samsung has changed its One UI development approach to a trunk-based system. This will allow the company to synchronise the release of One UI updates with Android updates.
Source: SamMobile
