Samsung One UI 8.5 Update Brings Galaxy S26 AI Features to Older Galaxy Phones
- Utshab Biswas
- 3 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Samsung has started rolling out One UI 8.5 to a wide range of Galaxy smartphones. The update introduces Galaxy S26-inspired AI features, smarter call screening, stronger security protections, and enhanced family-sharing tools. Here's everything you need to know about supported devices and the latest features.
Samsung has already started rolling out its latest software version One UI 8.5. Based on Android QPR2, this upgrade has many changes meant to make Galaxy phones smarter, safer, and more intelligent. The new update brings many great features from the new Galaxy phones, ranging from advanced call screening with AI, increased security, improved safety and privacy, and more convenient family sharing features.
One UI 8.5 was initially released for Samsung's newest line-up, such as the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. Still, Samsung decided to release this update for a lot more Galaxy devices, making it possible not to have a new Galaxy phone to use the latest software.
One UI 8.5 Rollout Has Already Started
The official launch of One UI 8.5 by Samsung occurred on May 6, with global availability starting from May 11. This update has been rolled out in several stages as is the case with all updates from Samsung, implying that not all users will get the software at once because of the different factors involved.
A wide variety of Samsung's smartphone models have been considered, including flagship models, foldable models, and other mid-tier smartphones. Samsung still shows its dedication to supporting its software long-term.
One UI 8.5 Supported Devices
Samsung has confirmed that the following Galaxy smartphones are eligible for the One UI 8.5 update:
Galaxy S Series
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Edge
Galaxy S25 FE
Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Series
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Galaxy Z Flip 7
Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
Galaxy Z TriFold
Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold 5
Galaxy Z Flip 5
Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
Galaxy A Series
Galaxy A56
Galaxy A55
Galaxy A54
Galaxy A36
Galaxy A35
Galaxy A34
Galaxy A26
Galaxy A25
Galaxy A17
Galaxy A16
Galaxy A15
Also Read: Microsoft and NVIDIA Tease a New Era of PCs as Surface Launch Rumors Heat Up Ahead of Computex
More Galaxy Phones Expected to Receive the Update
While Samsung has not officially confirmed every supported device, several additional Galaxy models are widely expected to receive One UI 8.5 in the coming months.
These include:
Galaxy A24
Galaxy A06
Galaxy F56
Galaxy F55
Galaxy F16
Galaxy F15
Galaxy F06
Galaxy M56
Galaxy M55s
Galaxy M55
Galaxy M16
Galaxy M15
Galaxy M06
Galaxy XCover 7
Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
Samsung has yet to make a formal announcement regarding these devices, but based on their software support timelines, they remain strong candidates for future rollout phases.
The Biggest New Features in One UI 8.5
Whereas any significant software upgrade will come with bug fixes and performance upgrades, One UI 8.5 has put more emphasis on AI, security, and usability.
Samsung has optimized the software experience with new features that first appeared in the Galaxy S26 range.
AI Call Screening Makes Unknown Calls Less Annoying
One of the most practical tools introduced via One UI 8.5 is the new call screening function powered by AI offered by Samsung.
Upon receiving a call from an unknown number, the AI assistant of Samsung will take the call on its own. Instead of being forced to make an unwanted call, the assistant will ask the caller for the reason of their call and create a text summary of it.
You will be able to go through the transcript fast and determine whether or not you need to make the call yourself. This tool is effective because it helps minimize disturbances caused by spam callers and unknown numbers.
The best part about the tool is that Samsung plans on making it available even on older models of their smartphones, such as the Galaxy S23 lineup.
Improved Family Sharing Experience
There have also been upgrades in Samsung’s family-sharing features.
The firm is trying to make sharing easier between families and managing connected devices and digital services much easier when using multiple Samsung devices. The changes seek to ensure that setting up and using such devices is easy for households with more than one Galaxy device.
Stronger Security and Privacy Protection
Security is one of the key features included in One UI 8.5. The new operating system comes with even more layers of protection that will enhance the safety of personal data, login details, and device entry. The manufacturer has updated some of its security infrastructure components while enhancing permission management by users.
This is important due to the ever-changing cybersecurity threats landscape.
New Generative AI Capabilities
However, Samsung is continuously putting significant effort into the development of AI technologies, and the release of One UI 8.5 is yet another addition to the existing line of AI applications developed by Samsung.
Among the new features of this update, there are several that use generative AI technology to speed up routine activities and increase productivity, even though Samsung does not emphasize this fact particularly.
One UI 8.5 vs One UI 8.0
Both the OSs have been built on Android 16 but they do have some major differences. One UI 8.0 has been largely built on Android 16 whereas One UI 8.5 is built on Android QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2). This implies that One UI 8.5 comes with further enhancements over the original One UI 8.0 build.
This difference results in the fact that some smartphones which are compatible with Android 16 will still not be able to run One UI 8.5.
What About the Galaxy S22 Series and Older Foldables?
One of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding One UI 8.5 concerns Samsung's 2022 flagship devices.
At the moment, Samsung has not officially confirmed support for:
Galaxy S22
Galaxy S22+
Galaxy S22 Ultra
Galaxy Z Fold 4
Galaxy Z Flip 4
The phones went on sale in 2022 and have been nearing the end of the standard Samsung four-year cycle for Android upgrades. Assuming Samsung sticks to its typical policy, the One UI 8.5 update would be the last one for this series of smartphones.
Nevertheless, without an official statement from Samsung, one must await the confirmation period.
Samsung's New Seven-Year Update Commitment
However, Samsung changed the landscape with the arrival of the Galaxy S24 series.
New flagship phones would come with support for up to seven years of OS and security updates by Samsung. This means that Samsung is one of the leaders in support for smartphones in terms of years that will go by before the support ends.
This means that new Galaxy smartphones will receive more software updates in comparison to older models.
Important Things to Do After Installing One UI 8.5
After updating to One UI 8.5, there are several simple steps users should take to ensure their device continues running smoothly.
Restart Your Phone
Although the update process includes automatic reboots, manually restarting your device after installation can help finalize background optimizations.
Clear Cached Files
Removing temporary cache files can improve performance and reduce the likelihood of minor software glitches after a major update.
Update Your Apps
Developers frequently release app updates that improve compatibility with the latest Android and One UI versions. Checking for updates ensures the best possible experience.
Remove Unused Applications
Major software upgrades provide a great opportunity to clean up your device. Deleting apps you no longer use can free up storage space and improve overall performance.
How to Check if Your Galaxy Phone Is Eligible
If you're unsure whether your smartphone qualifies for One UI 8.5, Samsung recommends checking through the Samsung Members application. The app provides device-specific information and update notifications, making it one of the easiest ways to confirm eligibility.
Because rollout schedules vary by region and carrier, some users may receive the update earlier than others.
While One UI 8.5 may not represent an overhaul of Samsung’s software, it certainly represents a number of improvements in key areas, including call screening with AI, additional security measures, advanced family sharing functionalities, as well as some generative AI capabilities. Overall, this may turn out to be one of Samsung’s most pragmatic software releases.
The most exciting part for Galaxy phone owners is the fact that the South Korean giant decided to add numerous Galaxy S26 exclusive features to older generations of phones as well. Users of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24 FE, as well as Galaxy S23 series devices will get access to improved functionality. In summary, there are many reasons why Galaxy users should eagerly wait for One UI 8.5.