Samsung has started expanding its One UI 8.5 rollout to more Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
The update is based on Android 16 and brings a refreshed interface, smoother animations, updated Samsung apps, more personalization options and new sharing improvements. Samsung officially began the One UI 8.5 rollout in Korea on May 6, with more regions following after that.
For Galaxy S23 owners, this is a major software release because it extends Samsung’s latest One UI experience to an older flagship lineup. For Galaxy A56 and A36 users, it is also notable because the update is now reaching Samsung’s midrange phones, not just premium Galaxy S and Z models.
Which Samsung phones are getting One UI 8.5 now?
According to reports, the latest rollout includes the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
The update is also available for several Galaxy S24 models in some regions. Samsung is expected to continue releasing One UI 8.5 in phases, which means availability can still vary depending on country, carrier and model.
Galaxy users can manually check for the update by going to:
Settings > Software update > Download and install
What’s new in One UI 8.5?
One UI 8.5 brings Samsung’s refreshed Android 16-based design, with cleaner visuals, smoother animations and redesigned stock apps.
The update also adds improvements to Quick Share, including AirDrop-style compatibility, along with changes to Photo Assist, power saving, security, Weather and My Files.
Some features may not arrive on every Galaxy phone. Samsung has already noted that feature availability can vary depending on model and region.
That means Galaxy S23 and Galaxy A56 users may receive the core One UI 8.5 experience, but not necessarily every AI feature available on newer flagship models.
Galaxy S23 users may not get every Galaxy AI feature
The Galaxy S23 series is getting the big system update, but some of the newest AI tools remain tied to newer Galaxy models.
Reports said the most advanced AI features that launched with Samsung’s latest Galaxy phones may not be available across the full One UI 8.5 device list. That is not unusual for Samsung updates, since some Galaxy AI tools depend on hardware, chip performance or regional support.
Still, the Galaxy S23 update remains important. It gives users a newer Android foundation, visual changes, app updates and more modern system behavior without needing to upgrade to a new phone.
Galaxy A56 rollout is a big sign for midrange Samsung phones
The Galaxy A56 getting One UI 8.5 is also good news for users who do not own a flagship Samsung phone.
Samsung’s Galaxy A series is one of the company’s most popular midrange lines, and bringing One UI 8.5 to the A56 and A36 shows that the rollout is moving beyond premium devices.
For users, the main thing to remember is simple: if the update is not showing yet, it does not necessarily mean the device is excluded. One UI updates are usually released in waves.
Why this update matters
One UI 8.5 matters because it keeps older and midrange Galaxy phones feeling current.
For Galaxy S23 owners, the update helps extend the value of a phone that is now a few generations behind Samsung’s newest flagship lineup. For Galaxy A56 users, it brings a newer software experience without requiring a premium device.
The update also shows how Samsung is continuing to make software support a major part of its Galaxy ecosystem. The rollout may take time, but more Galaxy owners should see One UI 8.5 appear in the Software update menu as Samsung expands availability.
via: Forbes | Samsung Newsroom | SamMobile | TechRadar | Android Authority
