Samsung is reportedly developing the Galaxy S26 lineup, its next-generation S series models, behind closed doors, which have been in the headlines for over a month or two. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 is supposed to run the Android 16-based One UI 8.5 version, and recent evidence might confirm the device’s OS.
While Samsung has already hinted regarding the ongoing development of One UI 8.5, the Galaxy S26 units have just been spotted with this new and unreleased version, the report says, which is not surprising, though.
According to a post shared by a tipster, CID, via X, the US-based Galaxy S26 Ultra was spotted running the One UI 8.5 version and has been identified with an all-new build number, S948USQU0AYH3. This eventually hints that Samsung has already started testing One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series; however, an official announcement still awaits.
Just to recall, it’s already been rumored that Samsung appears to be skipping its additional incremental updates, including One UI x.1 and One UI x.1.1, and is supposed to directly jump to One UI x.5, beginning next year with the next-gen Galaxy S26 lineup. At the same time, the Galaxy S26 family is already tipped to debut with the One UI 8.5 version, which is topped up with the same Android 16 OS.
In that case, if certain leaks and rumors are to be believed, then it looks like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be featuring Android 16-based One UI 8.5 out of the box.
Well, Samsung is currently busy with the One UI 8 beta program, which is now open for the Galaxy S24 series alongside Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 in a few selective countries. At the same time, it’s still too early to predict anything regarding One UI 8.5, and thus, users need to wait until Samsung itself confirms any details via its official channels.
