Samsung Starts Global One UI 8.5 Stable Rollout

Samsung has begun the global stable rollout of its One UI 8.5 software update for select Galaxy devices, starting in South Korea, months after the version debuted on the Galaxy S26 series. The update, based on Android 16, brings design refinements, expanded Galaxy AI capabilities and cross-platform file sharing improvements to flagships including the Galaxy S25 lineup, S25 FE, Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.

The rollout commenced this week with firmware build BZDP, initially available to beta participants in South Korea as a download of around 580 to 600 megabytes. Samsung plans to expand the over-the-air update to public users in the region within days, followed by markets in Europe, North America and elsewhere. Tipsters have suggested specific dates such as May 8 for wider availability, though the company has not confirmed an exact schedule. Users can check for the update through the Settings menu on supported devices.

One UI 8.5 introduces features like AirDrop compatibility via Quick Share, Now Nudge in the Samsung Keyboard, automatic call screening, Photo Assist for image generation and enhancements to the Bixby voice assistant. These build on the One UI 8.0 foundation released with...