Samsung is shifting gears on its next major software update, One UI 8.5 (based on Android 16). While the public Beta program is currently grabbing headlines on the Galaxy S25 series, the tech giant has quietly expanded its internal testing pool to include several popular Galaxy A mid-range devices.

Expanding the Scope Fresh data spotted on Samsung’s internal servers indicates that the testing phase has moved deeper into the company’s ecosystem. The latest devices to join the roster include the Galaxy A53, A35, A33, and A25. This follows earlier sightings of test builds for the Galaxy A26, A54, A16 5G, and A17 5G, reinforcing Samsung’s familiar strategy of cascading updates across different device tiers.

It is important to note that these builds are strictly for internal validation and are not yet available as public betas. The specific firmware versions spotted include:

  • Galaxy A53: A536BXXUIHYL6

  • Galaxy A35: A356BXXU7DYL2

  • Galaxy A33: A336BXXUFHYL6

  • Galaxy A25: A256BXXU9EYL2

The inclusion of older models like the A53 and A33 highlights Samsung’s continued commitment to supporting mid-range devices with extended software lifecycles, rather than focusing solely on premium flagships.

What to Expect from One UI 8.5 One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be a polished refinement of its predecessor. The update focuses heavily on UI optimization and daily usability. Key improvements reportedly include a more flexible Quick Settings panel allowing for resized widgets, along with visual refreshes to core apps like Phone, My Files, and Quick Share for a more intuitive experience.

Timeline Currently, the One UI 8.5 Beta is exclusive to the Galaxy S25 lineup in select markets. If Samsung sticks to its historical roadmap, the stable version of One UI 8.5 will likely debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series in Q1 2026. The rollout is expected to expand to eligible Galaxy A devices in the months following that launch.