Three-year-old Galaxy S23 flagships and budget A-series phones are getting Samsung's latest One UI 8.5 beta simultaneously, signaling an accelerated software rollout strategy for the Korean manufacturer.
The beta program expanded this week to include the Galaxy S23 series alongside mid-range Galaxy A36 devices, according to multiple reports. Both device categories received their first One UI 8.5 beta builds in India and South Korea, with wider availability expected in the UK, US, and select European markets soon.
Samsung's decision to bring its newest software experience to 2023 flagships while also including budget models marks a departure from traditional staggered release patterns. The company has been testing One UI 8.5 since late last year and launched the stable version with its Galaxy S26 series in early March.
The ZD5 firmware for Galaxy S23 devices weighs 4.16GB and includes the April 2026 security patch, while the A36's ZD2 build comes in at 2.5GB with the same security update. Users can enroll through the Samsung Members app where available slots are limited.
Alongside these additions, Samsung also extended beta access to previous-generation foldables including the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5. The expansion follows recent beta availability for newer devices like the Galaxy S24 series and seventh-generation foldables.
Tipster Tarun Vats confirmed on X that One UI 8.5 beta is now live for Galaxy S23 devices in both South Korea and India.
The simultaneous availability across multiple regions suggests Samsung is preparing for a broader stable release in coming weeks.
Beta participants should expect new features including AirDrop compatibility via Quick Share on supported devices, though specific enhancements may vary between flagship and mid-range models.
Samsung reportedly plans further beta expansions this month to include additional A-series models like the Galaxy A56, A55, and A35 as testing continues ahead of widespread stable deployment.
