Samsung is widening access to its One UI 8.5 beta, and this latest wave is a big one for anyone still happily using a recent-but-not-latest Galaxy phone. Announced on April 9, 2026, the expanded beta program now includes the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy A36 5G. The rollout is beginning in select markets, with early availability listed for India, Korea, the UK, and the US.
More Galaxy phones are joining the One UI 8.5 beta
This update is especially notable because it marks a clear shift toward bringing the One UI 8.5 beta to more 2023-era flagships and foldables, rather than keeping it limited to Samsung’s newest top-tier devices. The Galaxy S23 lineup, along with the Fold5 and Flip5, are now officially part of the test cycle—good news for users who want early access to Samsung’s next software experience without upgrading hardware.
The surprise addition is the Galaxy A36 5G. Samsung says it’s the first A-series model to enter the One UI 8.5 beta program, which makes it stand out in this expansion. Until now, the beta focus has leaned heavily toward premium Galaxy S and Z models, plus tablets.
Availability is rolling out in phases, not everywhere at once
Samsung is not releasing the One UI 8.5 beta globally in a single drop. Instead, it’s a phased rollout with different devices getting access in different regions first. According to the details shared alongside the announcement, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 beta is limited to Korea and the US right now. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A36 5G beta is currently limited to India.
Samsung also notes that timing and availability can vary by market, so even within the listed regions, the beta may not appear for everyone at the same moment.
How to join the One UI 8.5 beta
For users with eligible devices in supported regions, the sign-up method remains the same: enrollment is available through the Samsung Members app wherever the beta program is live. Once accepted, the beta software can be downloaded like a standard system update.
This rollout follows an earlier expansion from March, when Samsung extended One UI 8.5 beta access to the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy S24 FE, and the Galaxy Tab S11 series. Samsung says the beta program will continue to expand to more Galaxy devices later this month, suggesting this is part of a larger, ongoing rollout plan.
Quick Share and AirDrop mention comes with an important note
In the same announcement, Samsung referenced AirDrop support through Quick Share. However, the company’s footnote clarifies that this feature is currently available on the Galaxy S26 series. The newly added beta devices—Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 FE, and Galaxy A36 5G—were not listed as receiving that AirDrop-related support as part of this rollout.
What this means for Galaxy users
The practical takeaway is straightforward: more Galaxy owners now have a chance to test One UI 8.5 early, including older flagships, select foldables, and one A-series phone. Just keep in mind that eligibility depends not only on your device, but also on your market, since Samsung is opening the beta in stages rather than flipping it on worldwide.
The broader trend is clear across the industry as well: major smartphone brands continue to refine pre-release software gradually, using staggered beta updates before wider public releases.
