When it comes to Android updates, Samsung is playing catch-up with Pixel. Android 16 is now rolling out across its install base, bringing a raft of security and privacy upgrades. Now Samsung has a surprise for Galaxy users — and it could be just 6 weeks away.
Per SamMobile, One UI 8.5 will make its debut with the Galaxy S26 series next year,” and all One UI 8 devices will get it as well. “And surprise, surprise: we’ve learned that Samsung will also launch a One UI 8.5 beta program later this year.”
No one should have been expecting this. “It’s unusual for Samsung to hold beta programs for these mid-cycle One UI updates,” SamMobile says, albeit “nothing about One UI has been typical recently.” And One UI 8.5 brings some critical uplifts.
Whatever Galaxy you’re now using, it’s certain you won’t get the most exciting One UI 8.5 update. That’s because the innovative privacy display that masks what’s on screen needs upgraded hardware, and the first Samsung to bring this will be the Galaxy S26.
But as Android Authority has reported, One UI 8.5 also brings Google’s automatic call screening, which answers unknown calls and requests details to let you decide whether to pick up. Apple has just brought the same feature to iPhone with iOS 26, and with Samsung picking this up as well, the cold calling world is in trouble.
The other headline update is less clearcut. Samsung currently offers Auto Blocker, one of its “Maximum Restrictions” that prevents apps being sideloaded onto a phone.
Per Android Authority again, “with One UI 8.5, Samsung might give users the ability to temporarily disable Auto Blocker, with an option to have it automatically turn back on after 30 minutes. This way, you’ll still be able to sideload what you need or test something quickly, while still keeping the protection enabled by default.”
This follows the same logic as Google’s option to disable Play Protect until the next day. It’s undoubtedly helpful to automatically re-enable, but it’s unhelpful to everyday users to normalize disabling a feature that keeps them safe. Thankfully, Google is about to decimate sideloading with developer verification from next year. That lessens the risk.
One UI 8.5 may also bring other enhancements: “Advanced Protection support for USB, Local parental controls, Secure Lock Device, Phone Theft Protection Toggle” and “Identity Check expanded to support more apps.”
Google and Samsung are pushing the envelope when it comes to Android security, and the gap to iPhone has never been narrower. It’s therefore even more critical that Samsung pushes these updates out to its vast user base quickly. If the surprise One UI 8.5 beta does turn up in November, the question will immediately be how quickly it will release to flagships beyond the Galaxy S26. Watch this space.
