Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: First to Feature New Android Version!

Software development for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is progressing swiftly. An initial firmware has unveiled a significant new feature in the interface. Samsung is indeed preparing a new version of its software overlay: One UI 8.5.

In the coming months, it looks to be a busy time for Samsung. Just as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have been updated, the Korean manufacturer is already focusing on its upcoming non-foldable premium models. Among these, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is starting to generate buzz. The first signs of its firmware have surfaced on the company’s servers, indicating that software development is well underway.

The firmware file identified by SamMobile is labeled S948USQU0AYG8 and is intended for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It is based on Android 16 and explicitly mentions One UI 8.5. This is the first official confirmation of this interim version’s existence, which until now was only speculated upon. This confirms Samsung’s strategy of rolling out updates in two phases: a “x.0” version for the foldables mid-year, followed by a “x.5” version for the Galaxy S series a few months later.

One UI 8.5 to Launch with Galaxy S26 Ultra Bringing New Features

Though One UI 8.5 appears to be an interim release, it will be far from minor. Early leaks suggest that Samsung plans to include several new features, including visual adjustments and unique functionalities. The company now aims to synchronize its update schedule with Google’s, which releases new Android versions in the middle of the year. This adjustment allows the brand to deliver enhancements more swiftly and provide an up-to-date interface on its flagship models.

To keep up with Google’s schedule, Samsung has now adopted a development system known as “trunk-based.” This approach, previously mentioned with One UI 8, helps save time while maintaining stable code. Thus, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be the first non-foldable model to feature One UI 8.5 right from its launch. With the official announcement just months away, this leak not only confirms the software’s existence but also sets the stage for early 2026.