Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Beta to Galaxy S23 Series and First A-Series Device

Samsung has significantly expanded its One UI 8.5 beta program, bringing the latest software update to a broader range of Galaxy devices including the 2023 flagship lineup and the company's first A-series model to join the beta program. The expansion, announced on April 9, 2026, now includes the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 FE, and the Galaxy A36 5G.

This latest rollout marks a notable shift in Samsung's beta strategy. While the company previously focused its beta programs on newer flagship models and tablets, the inclusion of the Galaxy A36 5G represents a new approach to gathering user feedback across different device tiers. The A36 5G becomes the first A-series smartphone to participate in Samsung's beta testing program, potentially signaling the company's intent to refine software experiences across its entire product lineup.

Phased Rollout with Market-Specific Availability

Samsung is handling this expansion as a phased release rather than a simultaneous global launch. The company has confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 beta program is currently limited to Korea and the United States, while the Galaxy A36 5G beta is available only in India at this time. Samsung notes that availability and timing may vary by market, suggesting additional regions will gain access in subsequent phases.

This measured approach allows Samsung to manage server loads and gather initial feedback from smaller user groups before expanding to additional markets. It also provides the company with the flexibility to address any critical issues that may arise during the early stages of the beta program.

Building on Previous Expansions

The current expansion follows Samsung's earlier March rollout, which brought One UI 8.5 beta access to the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy S24 FE, and Galaxy Tab S11 series. With this latest addition, Samsung now has beta programs running across multiple generations of its flagship devices, foldables, and now entry-level premium models.

Samsung has indicated that the beta program will continue to expand to additional Galaxy devices later this month, suggesting that more models may join the testing program in the near future. Users interested in participating can sign up through the Samsung Members app where the beta is available in their region.

AirDrop Support Clarification

In the announcement, Samsung referenced AirDrop support through Quick Share as a feature of One UI 8.5. However, the company's fine print clarifies that this support is currently available only on the Galaxy S26 series. Notably, the newly added Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 FE, and A36 5G are not listed as devices receiving AirDrop support in this rollout.

This clarification is important for users who may have been anticipating cross-platform file sharing capabilities with their older devices. The selective rollout of AirDrop support suggests Samsung may be implementing the feature in stages, potentially based on hardware capabilities or strategic considerations.

Context in the Mobile Software Landscape

The timing of Samsung's beta expansion is particularly interesting when viewed alongside Apple's current software development cycle. While Samsung is expanding access to One UI 8.5 on more Galaxy devices, Apple recently reissued iOS 26.5 beta 1 (v2) and iPadOS 26.5 beta 1 (v2) as build 23F5043k, replacing the earlier 23F5043g seed from March 30 rather than moving straight to beta 2.

This parallel between the two mobile giants shows how major smartphone manufacturers are still adjusting their pre-release software in stages before broader public releases. Both companies appear to be taking careful, measured approaches to their beta programs, prioritizing stability and user experience over rapid deployment.

What This Means for Users

For users with eligible phones, the immediate change is straightforward: One UI 8.5 beta access is now opening up to more older Galaxy flagships, selected foldables, and one A-series model. The market-specific availability means that interested users should check the Samsung Members app to see if the beta is available in their region.

The expansion of the beta program to include the Galaxy S23 series and first A-series device suggests Samsung is committed to gathering comprehensive feedback across its product ecosystem. This broader testing base could lead to more refined software experiences when One UI 8.5 eventually rolls out to all compatible devices.

As the mobile software landscape continues to evolve, Samsung's approach to beta testing appears to be becoming more inclusive, potentially setting a precedent for how Android manufacturers engage with their user base during software development cycles. The inclusion of the A36 5G particularly stands out as a move that could democratize access to early software features for users of more affordable Galaxy devices.