Danny Weber
08:04 10-04-2026
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung expands One UI 8.5 beta testing to older Galaxy models like S23, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy A36, enhancing device lifecycle and user involvement.
Samsung is continuing to expand its One UI 8.5 beta testing program, now opening beta access to even more Galaxy smartphones. The update first became available for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Now the company has started adding older models to the testing.
Starting today, the One UI 8.5 Beta program includes the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the Galaxy A36. This marks the first time Samsung has extended a beta version of its new interface to a Galaxy A series device, broadening testing beyond just flagship models.
What's particularly notable is that smartphones released three years ago are included in the program. This highlights Samsung's intention to extend the lifecycle of its devices and more actively involve users in testing new features, even on older models.
The update's availability varies by device. The Galaxy S23 series, including the Galaxy S23 FE, will receive the beta version in India, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are part of the program only in South Korea and the US, while the Galaxy A36 gets testing access exclusively in India.
This expansion of the One UI 8.5 program underscores Samsung's focus on accelerating development and conducting broader testing of new features among users. The move is expected to help identify and fix bugs more quickly, paving the way for a stable release of the update to a wider range of devices.