Samsung One UI Roadmap: One UI 8.5 Release and One UI 9 Leaks

Samsung began the official rollout of One UI 8.5 on May 6.

The update is being deployed to a variety of smartphones, extending the software’s reach to devices beyond the Galaxy S26 series. This release marks the current phase of the company’s software deployment cycle as it integrates new features across its mobile ecosystem.

Parallel to the rollout of version 8.5, reports have emerged regarding the development of One UI 9. This upcoming iteration will be based on Android 16, with testing expected to commence in 2026. The Galaxy S26 is positioned to be a primary recipient of the One UI 9 update.

Details surrounding the specific capabilities of One UI 9 remain limited, though discussions have surfaced regarding the potential absence of “Liquid Glass” features for the Galaxy S26 upon the update’s arrival.

While the official deployment of One UI 8.5 is underway and the specifics of One UI 9 remain largely undisclosed, leaks have already appeared concerning a subsequent version, One UI 9.5. This suggests a development pipeline that extends well beyond the immediate 2026 testing window for the base version 9.0.