Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Rollout to Galaxy S23 and Z Fold 5 / Flip 5

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update is continuing its global rollout, and several older flagship devices have now joined the stable release track. In the latest expansion, Samsung began pushing the update to the Galaxy S23 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in South Korea on May 18, 2026, signaling that the upgrade is reaching more devices beyond the newest flagships.

The update is based on Android 16 and introduces a wave of Galaxy AI features, interface refinements, and new communication tools across Samsung’s ecosystem.

Newly added devices receiving One UI 8.5 in South Korea

Samsung’s May 18 rollout added several 2023 flagship models to the stable channel:

• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5

Galaxy S23 users in South Korea started receiving the update on May 18, 2026, according to multiple reports tracking the rollout.

Samsung released the same update for its 2023 foldables the same day. Firmware builds reported for the foldables include:

• Galaxy Z Fold 5: F946NKSU6GZDT
• Galaxy Z Flip 5: F731NKSU6GZDU

As with most Samsung firmware updates, the rollout began in the company’s home market and will expand to other regions gradually over the following days or weeks.

Android version and firmware base

One UI 8.5 is built on Android 16, continuing the software platform Samsung introduced with its newest flagship devices earlier in 2026.

Some builds—particularly those released later in the rollout—are described as Android 16 QPR2–based firmware, which includes additional platform improvements and refinements.

Samsung first debuted the interface on the Galaxy S26 series, and then began distributing it to older Galaxy models once testing concluded.

Key features in One UI 8.5

Samsung positions One UI 8.5 as an AI‑focused update that improves communication, productivity, and creative tools across Galaxy devices.

Major additions include:

• Galaxy AI enhancements integrated across system apps and services.
• Smarter sharing tools, including expanded Quick Share capabilities.
• Refined interface design, smoother animations, and redesigned stock apps.
• Improved communication tools such as upgraded calling and messaging features.
• New creative and productivity features that debuted on newer Galaxy flagships.

Samsung says the update focuses on making everyday tasks—like messaging, file sharing, and content creation—more intelligent and seamless across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Rollout timeline and global expansion

The stable rollout of One UI 8.5 has occurred in phases throughout May 2026.

Key milestones:

• May 6, 2026: Samsung began the official rollout in South Korea.
• May 11, 2026: The global rollout expanded to regions including Europe, India, North America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
• May 18, 2026: Additional devices, including the Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Flip 5, started receiving the update in South Korea.

Samsung typically pushes major One UI releases gradually, prioritizing newer flagship models before expanding to older flagships and mid‑range devices.

How to check if your Galaxy phone has the update

If your device is eligible, you can check for the update manually:

1. Open Settings on your Galaxy device.
2. Tap Software update.
3. Select Download and install.

Because the rollout is staged, some users may see the update immediately while others receive it days or weeks later depending on region and carrier.

Which devices are likely next

Samsung has confirmed that the One UI 8.5 rollout will expand to more Galaxy devices across several product lines. These include:

• Galaxy S25 series and S25 FE
• Galaxy S24 series and S24 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold 7 / Flip 7 and Z Fold 6 / Flip 6
• Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10 series tablets

The company has not publicly confirmed the exact order of future updates. However, Samsung usually prioritizes recent flagship phones before expanding to older models and mid‑range devices.

Later in 2026, Samsung is also expected to begin testing One UI 9, which will likely be based on Android 17, once the One UI 8.5 rollout stabilizes across supported devices.

What the latest rollout means

The addition of the Galaxy S23 series and 2023 foldables shows that Samsung is rapidly extending its latest software platform to older flagships. As the rollout continues globally, more Galaxy devices from the past three to four years are expected to receive the upgrade.

For many users, One UI 8.5 delivers the biggest benefit through its Galaxy AI features and refined system experience, bringing newer flagship capabilities to devices that launched years earlier.