Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8.5 update, expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, may be facing an unexpected delay. According to recent reports from industry tipsters, the beta testing program for One UI 8.5, which was initially set to begin in November, has been postponed. The reason, it seems, is tied closely to Samsung’s shifting strategy for its next flagship lineup.
Sources on X (formerly Twitter) claim that the Galaxy S26+ model has caused internal scheduling changes. Initially, Samsung had scrapped the S26+ in favor of a Galaxy S26 Edge, but due to the poor sales performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge, the company has reportedly reversed course. The S26 Edge has now been canceled, and the S26+ is back in development.
This sudden change has reportedly impacted Samsung’s entire flagship production timeline. As a result, the Galaxy S26 family’s launch, originally expected in February, is now rumored to have been pushed to March 2026. Since One UI 8.5 is meant to make its official debut alongside these devices, Samsung apparently sees little reason to release a beta version months in advance for existing S25 users.
While these details remain unconfirmed, the speculation does align with Samsung’s recent pattern of refining software closely with new hardware launches. If true, Galaxy fans may have to wait longer to experience the next evolution of Samsung’s Android interface.
For now, Samsung has yet to make an official statement regarding the delay. However, the move could give the company more time to optimize One UI 8.5 and ensure the Galaxy S26 series delivers a polished, next-generation experience when it finally arrives.