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Samsung appears to have pushed back the One UI 8.5 beta rollout — and the reason may be a surprising flip in the Galaxy S26 lineup. Early reports suggest the S26+ is back in development, and that change could shift the timing for the software preview and the wider launch.
Why the One UI 8.5 beta might be postponed
According to a tip shared on X, the first One UI 8.5 beta that many expected in November is now unlikely to happen. The delay isn't being blamed on software alone: it's tied to Samsung reworking its hardware plans for the Galaxy S26 family.
Insiders say Samsung briefly canceled the S26+ in favor of an Edge variant, but poor reception to the previous Edge model reportedly forced a rethink. With the S26+ resurrected, the company needs extra development time — and that domino effect appears to have nudged the One UI 8.5 debut off the November schedule.
How the S26 line shuffle affects the rollout
- Original plan: a November beta for One UI 8.5, likely tied to current Galaxy S25 owners getting early builds.
- New wrinkle: the S26+ returned to the roadmap, which requires more testing and integration work.
- Result: the Galaxy S26 family launch — and One UI 8.5's public debut — may be delayed until March, according to the rumor.
What this means for current Galaxy owners
If Samsung does aim to debut One UI 8.5 alongside the full S26 rollout, releasing a standalone beta months earlier would be awkward. Users of existing models may have to wait longer for a public preview, even if a stable update still arrives later.
That said, these reports are unconfirmed. Treat them as an early look at Samsung's internal planning rather than official news. Imagine waiting for a new skin only to learn the company wants one launch event that ties software and hardware together — it's a plausible strategy, especially for a flagship refresh.
What to watch next
- Official word from Samsung on One UI 8.5 or S26 timing — any confirmation will settle the rumors.
- More tips from credible leakers or regulatory filings that hint at production timelines.
- Beta invitations: if Samsung opens a limited beta for older flagships, it could indicate a phased rollout rather than a hard delay.
For now, keep an eye on Samsung's channels and trusted industry leakers. The story is evolving, and the March timeline is only one possibility among several.
Source: gsmarena
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