Samsung’s foldable phones are about to get a fresh coat of paint. According to a post on X by Tarun Vats, the company is already testing One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. This signals that Samsung is actively preparing the next software update for its clamshell foldable lineup.
One UI 8.5 expands to Galaxy Z Flip 7 series
One UI 8.5 focuses heavily on visual polish and usability improvements. Early builds suggest Samsung could be taking some inspiration from Apple’s Liquid Glass UI design. The update will bring smoother animations and more 3D-like icons to the interface. The quick settings panel is getting a complete redesign with fully customizable layouts. It will let users move or remove widgets, toggles, and cards freely.
Another practical change involves search bars across Samsung apps. They will move to the bottom of the screen for easier one-handed use. This adjustment makes particular sense on foldables like the Flip 7, where the taller display means the reach of your thumb is limited. Users can also expect new clock styles for the lock screen and subtle Always On Display animations.
Samsung will also continue refining features like the Samsung Internet browser and AI-powered tools such as Galaxy AI Now Brief. For Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE owners, the update should enhance the overall foldable experience with better software optimization.
The appearance of firmware for the Flip 7 FE is particularly notable since it uses the same Exynos chipset as the Galaxy S24 and S24+. Could this mean Samsung’s work on One UI 8.5 for last year’s flagship series is also progressing according to plan?
When can users expect the update?
Samsung originally planned to launch a One UI 8.5 beta program in November, but those plans hit a snag. Delays to the Galaxy S26 series likely pushed that timeline back, and the beta program will probably get delayed as well. The update is now expected to arrive in early 2026, around the same time as the Galaxy S26 rollout.
The rollout will likely follow Samsung’s usual pattern. The Galaxy S26 series will launch with One UI 8.5 pre-installed, and then Samsung will gradually expand availability to other devices, including the Flip 7, Flip 7 FE, and Fold 7. Based on Samsung’s recent track record with updates, expect the rollout to take a few weeks after the S26 launch.
And since the rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 series could arrive in February 2026, expect One UI 8.5 to arrive in March for other devices.
