Samsung is set to expand its latest One UI 8.5 beta program to include the Galaxy S24 series, following prior beta releases for its flagship Galaxy S25 lineup and foldable Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 models. Firmware entries spotted on Samsung’s servers indicate that the company is preparing to introduce the new Android 16 QPR2-based software customization to Galaxy S24 users soon.
The One UI 8.5 update, built on Android 16 QPR2, debuted with the Galaxy S25 series in December 2023, offering a refined software experience tailored to Samsung’s ecosystem. Samsung then extended the beta phase to its foldable devices, and the stable version has already been released for the Galaxy S26 lineup. This progression points to a broader software refresh cycle, with slightly older models like the S24 series now set to receive the update.
For Galaxy S24 owners, this beta program could provide early access to interface enhancements and feature tweaks before the stable One UI 8.5 rollout. Samsung typically seeds new software first to its flagship communities, and the stable update is expected to follow shortly after the beta testing concludes. The One UI 8.5 upgrade offers an incremental but valuable boost, particularly as Samsung’s ecosystem evolves around the latest Android 16 service packs.
Samsung generally staggers these updates to manage rollout risks and incorporate user feedback. However, the rapid progression from the S25 to S24 beta signals an accelerated timeline for this cycle. Users interested in upcoming features or stability improvements should watch for official announcements or notifications via the Samsung Members app regarding the beta program’s availability.
Samsung’s One UI versions have consistently improved user experience with each new Android generation by enhancing performance and customizability. As One UI 8.5 sees wider adoption, it will be interesting to see how it compares to other customized interfaces like Google’s Pixel UI and Xiaomi’s MIUI, especially on older flagship devices such as the Galaxy S24.