GoKawiilJoe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR Samsung is expanding its One UI 8.5 beta to older flagships and A-series mid-rangers.
The update brings limited AirDrop support to more phones, once exclusive to the S26 series.
New users can sign up for the beta through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung isn’t slowing down. While much of the spotlight has been on the recent launch of the Galaxy S26 series, the company is ensuring that owners of older hardware aren’t left behind. After announcing last week that it was significantly expanding the One UI 8.5 beta program to more devices, it appears to be happening as promised — and then some.
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This follows the March rollout that covered the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy Tab S11. Once again, Samsung is keeping the rollout phased by region. The Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 betas are currently limited to Korea and the US, while the Galaxy A36 5G beta is exclusive to India for the time being. Other markets, including the UK, are expected to see these builds soon.
The first stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to launch for the S25 series before the end of April.
One UI 8.5 largely focuses on AI features, a refreshed design, and advanced security and privacy solutions.
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