Which Samsung Phones Are Getting One UI 8.5—and Which Are Left Behind?

Samsung’s latest software update, One UI 8.5, officially began rolling out on May 6, 2026, bringing new features like expanded Galaxy AI tools, improved lock screen customization, and better performance optimizations. However, not all Galaxy devices will receive the update—and some flagship models may be permanently excluded. Here’s what you need to know about One UI 8.5 eligibility, why certain phones are being left behind, and what So for users.

As a technology journalist with a background in software engineering, I’ve analyzed Samsung’s official update strategy, community reports, and historical patterns to clarify which devices are getting the update—and which are not. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as Samsung’s policies often depend on hardware compatibility, market demand, and even supply chain constraints.

If you’re wondering whether your Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, or an older model will get One UI 8.5, this guide will help you determine your device’s status—and what to do if you’re left out.

One UI 8.5: The Official Rollout and Supported Devices

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update is built on Android 16 QPR2, a quarterly security and performance update from Google. The rollout follows a phased approach, with flagship devices receiving priority. According to Samsung’s official software update policy, the following devices are confirmed or highly likely to receive One UI 8.5:

• Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+: These models are among the first to receive the stable update, with reports of Beta 4 testing in April 2026.
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6: Foldable devices are also prioritized, with stable updates expected to arrive within 4–6 weeks of the official launch.
• Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy S22 series: Older flagships may receive One UI 8.5, but with a delayed timeline (likely June–July 2026).
• Galaxy A series (2023–2024 models): Mid-range devices like the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 may get One UI 8.5, but Samsung has not confirmed eligibility for all models.

However, there’s a notable exception: the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Despite being part of the same series as the S25 and S25+, the S25 Ultra has not been included in Samsung’s official One UI 8.5 rollout communications. This omission has sparked concerns among users and tech analysts.

Why Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra Missing from One UI 8.5?

The exclusion of the Galaxy S25 Ultra appears to be tied to a critical software conflict introduced in the April 2026 security patch. According to reports from affected users and IT specialists, the patch caused Microsoft apps—including Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and Excel—to fail on the S25 Ultra. Symptoms included:

• Teams losing presence indicators and messages hanging unsent.
• Authenticator app push notifications stopping.
• OneDrive folder operations failing.
• Intermittent issues with Outlook and Excel.

A key detail from the community reports suggests the problem is isolated to the main user profile, as installing the same Microsoft apps inside the Secure Folder restores normal function. This points to a token exchange or account sync regression introduced by the April Security Maintenance Release (SMR).

“My read: token exchange, account sync, or a background service regression introduced by the April SMR. Cross-device comparison also isolates it cleanly. S26 Ultra and Z Flip 6 users on equivalent firmware are not reporting this.”

— IT Support Specialist, Samsung Community Forum

Samsung has not issued an official statement confirming whether the S25 Ultra will receive One UI 8.5. However, the persistent software issues—combined with the fact that the Galaxy S26 Ultra (released in March 2026) is not affected—suggest that Samsung may be skipping the update entirely for the S25 Ultra to avoid further complications.

What This Means for Galaxy S25 Ultra Users

If you own a Galaxy S25 Ultra and are concerned about missing One UI 8.5, here’s what Make sure to know:

• Security risks: Without One UI 8.5, your device will miss Android 16’s quarterly security patches, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats. Samsung typically supports devices for 4–5 years, but delays in updates can shorten this window.
• Feature gaps: One UI 8.5 introduces Galaxy AI tools, improved lock screen customization, and performance optimizations. Missing these means your phone will lack the latest battery efficiency and app compatibility improvements.
• No official confirmation: Samsung has not confirmed whether the S25 Ultra will receive One UI 8.5. Users should monitor Samsung’s official update tracker for announcements.
• Workarounds: Some users have reported that reinstalling Microsoft apps via the Secure Folder temporarily resolves the issues, but this is not a permanent fix.

Other Devices Likely to Miss One UI 8.5

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most high-profile exclusion, other devices may also be left behind:

• Galaxy S21 series and older: Samsung typically supports devices for 4 years with major OS updates. The S21 series (released in 2021) may not receive One UI 8.5, as it would require Android 16, which these devices may not support.
• Galaxy Note 20 series: Like the S21, the Note 20 may not get One UI 8.5 due to hardware limitations with Android 16.
• Budget and older mid-range devices (e.g., Galaxy A14, A33): These phones often receive delayed or no major updates, as Samsung prioritizes newer models.

How to Check if Your Device Will Get One UI 8.5

If you’re unsure whether your Samsung phone is eligible for One UI 8.5, follow these steps:

1. Check Samsung’s official update tracker: Visit Samsung’s software update page and enter your device model.
2. Monitor community forums: Sites like the Samsung Community often have early reports on update eligibility.
3. Look for beta announcements: Samsung sometimes releases beta versions before the stable update. If your device is in beta testing, it’s likely to get the full update.
4. Contact Samsung Support: If your device is excluded, you can reach out to Samsung Support to inquire about potential exceptions.

What’s Next for Samsung’s Software Updates?

Samsung’s update strategy for One UI 8.5 suggests a shift in priorities, with newer devices receiving immediate attention while older models face potential exclusion. Here’s what to expect in the coming months:

• June–July 2026: Stable One UI 8.5 updates for Galaxy S23/S22 series and Z Fold/Flip 5 (if not already updated).
• August–September 2026: Possible rollout to Galaxy A series (2023 models), though not all may qualify.
• No updates for S21/Note 20: These devices are likely to reach the end of major OS support after One UI 8.5.
• Galaxy S26 series: Newer flagships will receive One UI 9 in late 2026, but Samsung may extend support for S25/S26 models beyond the standard 4-year window.

For users of excluded devices, the best course of action is to monitor Samsung’s official channels and consider upgrading if critical features or security updates are needed.

Next official update: Samsung’s One UI 9 announcement (expected late 2026). Keep an eye on Samsung’s software page for the latest news.