Samsung One UI 8.5 Update: Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 Prepare for Android 16 QPR2

The landscape of Samsung software is evolving rapidly as the tech giant pushes forward with its latest interface developments. Following the recent unveilings of the next generation of mobile software, Samsung has officially begun the internal testing phase for One UI 8.5, which is based on the highly anticipated Android 16 QPR2. This update marks a significant milestone for users of Samsung’s 2022 foldable flagship devices, signaling that the company remains committed to providing long-term support and the latest features to its innovative hardware lineup.

Last month, Samsung released a new version of its custom skin, known as One UI 8.5. Currently, the brand is rigorously beta testing this software on the Galaxy S25 series to ensure a polished experience. Once the testing phase concludes and the company officially launches the Galaxy S26 series—which will serve as the debut platform for the stable version—the tech giant will begin deploying the update to a wide range of eligible devices.

Expanding the Horizon: Testing Reaches 2022 Foldables

Samsung's commitment to its ecosystem is evident in the breadth of its testing. Currently, One UI 8.5 is being evaluated across several premium lineups, including the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S23 series, as well as the newest foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. In a move that will delight long-term fans, the brand has now extended this testing to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4, bringing these veteran devices one step closer to their next major software evolution.

Evidence found on Samsung’s internal servers confirms the existence of specific firmware builds for these devices. For the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the test firmware is identified as version F936BXXUAJZAH, while the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is being tested with version F721BXXUAJZAH. These identifiers suggest that internal development is well underway and moving toward a stable release candidate.

What to Expect from the One UI 8.5 Experience

One UI 8.5 isn't just a incremental update; it’s a refinement of the Samsung mobile experience. The new interface is designed to appear less cluttered and more organized, adopting a modern aesthetic that prioritizes ease of use. Users can expect a more customizable environment with intuitive controls that breathe new life into older hardware. To get a comprehensive look at the visual changes and new features, you can view the detailed tour in the video below.

For those looking for a deeper dive into the technical aspects and the full feature set, you can explore our Everything to Know guide, which covers all the nuances of this upcoming Samsung update.

What exactly is One UI 8.5 and which Android version is it based on?

One UI 8.5 is the latest iteration of Samsung's custom user interface for Galaxy devices. It is built on top of Android 16 QPR2, offering the latest security, privacy, and performance enhancements provided by the Android platform while adding Samsung-exclusive features and design elements.

Which older foldable phones are currently being tested for this update?

Samsung has recently started internal testing for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4, both of which were released in 2022. This is in addition to testing already occurring for the Galaxy S23, S24, and the 2023/2024 foldable models.

What are the specific firmware versions spotted for the Fold 4 and Flip 4?

The firmware version spotted for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is F936BXXUAJZAH, and the firmware version for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is F721BXXUAJZAH. These builds were identified on Samsung's official firmware servers.

When will the stable version of One UI 8.5 be available for the public?

The stable rollout is expected to begin after the official launch of the Galaxy S26 series. Usually, Samsung releases the stable update to its newest flagships first, followed quickly by previous generations like the Fold 4 and Flip 4.

What are the main improvements in the One UI 8.5 user interface?

The update focuses on a cleaner, more organized aesthetic. It aims to reduce visual clutter, improve one-handed usability, and provide deeper customization options for the home screen, lock screen, and system widgets.

🔎 In conclusion, the appearance of One UI 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 is a promising sign for users who want to keep their devices at the cutting edge of technology. By bridging the gap between older hardware and the newest software innovations of Android 16, Samsung continues to set a high bar for long-term device support in the foldable market.