Samsung Test One UI 8.5 For Galaxy Z Flip 7 And Flip 7 FE

JAKARTA - Samsung is testing its latest interface update, One UI 8.5, for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE folding devices. This update is rumored to carry a finer animation, 3D-style icons, and a fully redesigned quick settings panel (Quick Settings) display. The final version is expected to be released in early 2026, shortly after the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.

According to a post on platform X by tech leak Tarun Vats, this test indicates that Samsung is preparing a major update to its foldable phone line.

The main focus of One UI 8.5 is visual improvement and ease of use. The early version being tested shows that Samsung is likely inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass UI design.

This new interface presents a finer animation as well as a more active three-dimensional style icon. The fast settings panel also gets a new design that can be fully customized users can move, add, or remove widgets, buttons, and cards as desired.

Other functional changes include placing the search bar at the bottom of the screen on various Samsung applications, to facilitate use with one hand. This is a logical step for foldable devices such as Flip 7 which have a high screen, so that the range of the thumb is more limited. In addition, users will also find new clock styles on the lock screen as well as fine animations on Always On Display display.

Samsung will also continue to improve some features such as the Samsung Internet browser and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools such as the Galaxy AI Now Brief. For Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE users, this update is expected to be able to improve the experience of overall folding device usage through better software optimization.

Interestingly, the firmware for Flip 7 FE uses the same Exynos chipsets as the Galaxy S24 and S24+, which show that the development of One UI 8.5 for the previous flagship series also went according to plan.

Initially, Samsung planned to launch the beta One UI 8.5 program in November 2025, but the delay in the Galaxy S26 series delayed the schedule. Now, the update is expected to arrive in early 2026, along with the launch of the Galaxy S26.

According to the previous release pattern, the Galaxy S26 series will be the first device to be equipped with a built-in One UI 8.5. After that, the update will be gradually extended to other devices, including Flip 7, Flip 7 FE, and Fold 7. Based on Samsung's track record, this update distribution is likely to last a few weeks after the launch of the Galaxy S26 so it is estimated that One UI 8.5 will be available for folding devices by around March 2026.