Details are surfacing on social media, and if accurate, Galaxy phones are set to be speedy.
What you need to know
– A source suggests that Samsung has released an update for its One UI 8.5 beta that enhances its Android kernel version.
– Consequently, the post asserts that One UI 8.5 feels “smoother” and “more responsive,” potentially an experience that users will encounter in the upcoming beta.
– Another source claims that what was first noted might actually be Samsung’s stable release intentions for One UI 8.5.
– Samsung launched One UI 8.5 Beta 3 to testers earlier in January, featuring a significant 1.2GB download that includes an extensive list of fixes.
Samsung is reportedly making a significant system-level adjustment for its forthcoming One UI software that could transform the experience for Galaxy phones.
This week, prominent social media source Ice Universe disclosed some information about a supposed kernel upgrade for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 (via SamMobile). As noted by the publication, the kernel acts as the “bridge” between a device’s software and hardware, and Ice Universe states that Samsung has upgraded its version from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98.
Their post emphasizes that this marks the first instance of the company upgrading its kernel, and it was done unexpectedly.
The leak indicates that this alteration was found in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 ZZAA version for the Galaxy S25 series, currently participating in the Beta Program. In their evaluations, Ice Universe reports that Samsung’s One UI system “is smoother and more responsive.” Furthermore, they mention “touch response, animations, and overall fluidity have been enhanced.”
Rumors branch out in two directions from this point. On one hand, Ice Universe suggests that testers might access this major update in One UI 8.5 Beta 4. Conversely, another source, TheOneCID, asserts this could be Samsung’s official One UI 8.5 version for release. Their post mentions discovery of a corresponding CZAA build on the U.S. and Canadian servers for Samsung’s devices.
Speculations indicated One UI 8.5 would be significant.
We will need to observe how developments unfold from here, as we have only recently gotten One UI 8.5 Beta 3 in January. Shortly after the turn of the year, Samsung introduced Beta 3 for its next significant One UI update, which came with a 1.2GB download. The company was engaged in correcting numerous items for users, including lock screen issues, gallery delays, and more.
One major complaint users had regarding the new software was its unusual battery drain. Samsung’s patch notes indicate it has implemented a fix for that “excessive” battery drain issue caused by specific apps. Beta 2 for One UI 8.5 was released on December 22, just a few weeks prior to Beta 3.
It may be reasonable to conclude we are in for another update before the Galaxy S26 series is poised to debut.
Users not on the beta received their January 2026 security update this week as well. This update addressed significant security vulnerabilities, delivering approximately 55 fixes to the Galaxy S25 series.