Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Beta Program to Older Flagships

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The rollout of the latest software experience has entered its next phase as Samsung expands One UI 8.5 Beta program to several popular devices. Samsung has officially opened the registration for users of the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, and Galaxy Z Flip5, alongside the mid-range Galaxy A36. Consequently, owners of these handsets can now experience the new “Agentic AI” features and system optimisations that were previously exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup.

galaxy s23

New Features and Eligible Devices

The primary goal of the Samsung expands One UI 8.5 Beta program update is to bring advanced AI capabilities to older hardware. Specifically, the update introduces “Magic Compose” for messaging and enhanced “Circle to Search” functions that can now solve complex mathematical equations. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Galaxy A36 in this rollout marks a significant move to bring flagship software features to more affordable price points.

  • System Fluidity: The beta introduces new non-linear animations. As a result, navigating between apps feels much smoother and more responsive on the 120Hz displays.
  • Vertical App Drawer: Notably, Samsung has finally added an official option for a vertical scrolling app drawer within the Home Screen settings.
  • Battery Optimisation: Additionally, the software includes a new “AI Power Shield” that monitors background apps to extend the longevity of older battery cells.

Analysis: Extending the Lifecycle of Older Hardware

The organisation of this beta expansion shows that Samsung is committed to its promise of long-term software support. Therefore, by bringing One UI 8.5 to devices like the Galaxy S23 and Z Fold5, they are ensuring that users don’t feel pressured to upgrade to the latest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra just for software features. While the older chips may not handle some AI tasks as quickly as the latest Snapdragon, the experience remains remarkably consistent across the generation gap.

Our Insight: We believe the inclusion of the Galaxy A36 is the most interesting part of this news. Because this is a mid-range device, it proves that Samsung’s new AI architecture is efficient enough to run on less powerful silicon without sacrificing the core user experience.

Tips for Beta Program Participants

If you are excited now that Samsung expands One UI 8.5 Beta program to your device, follow these tips for a safe experience:

  • Backup Your Data: Before installing any beta software, ensure you have a full backup on a PC or cloud storage. By doing this, you can easily restore your phone if you encounter a critical bug.
  • Report Bugs Early: Use the Samsung Members app to submit feedback. Specifically, if you notice unusual battery drain or app crashes, providing logs helps the developers fix the issue before the final stable release.
  • Check App Compatibility: Notably, some banking and high-security apps may not work on beta software. If you rely on your phone for daily payments, you might want to wait for the official stable rollout.

Final Thoughts

The fact that Samsung expands One UI 8.5 Beta program to a wider range of devices is a win for the Galaxy community. By delivering cutting-edge AI and design refinements to older flagships and mid-range phones, Samsung continues to lead the way in Android software longevity.

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