Samsung is stepping up its development of One UI 8.5 across multiple device lineups, with the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy A36 becoming the latest additions to the testing roster. This move signals a clear intent from the tech giant to bring the latest customized Android 16 update to its mid-range and budget-friendly 5G segments without delay.

According to data surfaced from Samsung’s internal test servers, the initial builds for both the Galaxy A17 5G and A36 bear firmware versions ending in CYL3. While this sighting doesn't necessarily guarantee these devices will join the One UI 8.5 Beta program currently open for the Galaxy S25 series, it confirms that preparations for the next major update are well underway.

The Galaxy A17 5G, launched in August 2025 with One UI 7, took less than a month to receive the update to One UI 8. The Galaxy A36 followed a similar trajectory after hitting the shelves in March 2025. The early appearance of One UI 8.5 test builds for these handsets highlights Samsung’s increasingly aggressive and unified software strategy for the mid-range market.

On the flagship front, One UI 8.5 Beta 1 is already live for the Galaxy S25 in the US, Germany, Korea, and the UK. Simultaneously, internal test builds for the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE have also been spotted, hinting at a broader support rollout in the near future should Samsung decide to expand the beta program.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 in early 2026, followed by a phased rollout to eligible devices, including the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy A36.