Samsung is finally deploying One UI 8.5 (Android 16) on its old models: here are the lucky ones

After months of beta testing, Samsung finally announces the start of the deployment of its One UI 8.5 interface, based on Android 16. Here are the first devices to receive it.

It’s official, Samsung yesterday began the deployment of its interface One UI 8.5. After four months of beta that tested users’ patience, a first series of devices is starting to receive this interface update which puts the emphasis on customization and AI features.

Which Samsung devices will receive One UI 8.5?

Since their launch at the start of the year, the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra are the only ones to benefit from One UI 8.5. But Samsung announced today that some older devices will finally receive the update. Here is the official list shared by the Korean manufacturer:

• Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge et S25 FE ;
• Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra et S24 FE ;
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 et Z Flip 6 ;
• Galaxy Z Fold 7 et Z Flip 7 ;
• Galaxy Tab S11 et Tab S11 Ultra ;
• Galaxy Tab S10, Tab S10 Plus et Tab S10 Ultra.

You won’t be surprised to see high-end Samsung phones and tablets, but cheaper devices should logically follow, especially those in the A, F and M ranges.

The deployment of the update has started, unsurprisingly, in South Korea. Samsung unfortunately remains very vague on its deployment schedule to the extent that the brand simply says that “other regions will follow”.

What’s new in One UI 8.5

One UI 8.5 will be an opportunity for Samsung to deploy its new artificial intelligence features, such as Now Nudge, new AI photo editing options (by simply speaking on the phone for example), writing assistance or even a new file explorer directly from the home screen. To find out more, we invite you to watch our video below.

Note that not all devices will benefit from all features. Indeed, the most high-end (and most powerful) models will be the best equipped, while the mid-range and entry-level models will have a more restricted selection called “Awesome Intelligence”.

The wait for an update is always too long, but the fact that Samsung has given the go-ahead marks the official start of the deployment in the coming weeks.