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Samsung's next incremental One UI update is quietly moving through testing — and this time it shows up on the company's clamshell foldables. Firmware files for One UI 8.5 have been discovered for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip FE, suggesting a broader rollout plan beyond Samsung's flagship line.
Firmware sightings hint at wider testing
Although the One UI 8.5 beta program has reportedly been delayed, Samsung appears to be progressing behind the scenes. Developers and tipsters have recently found multiple One UI 8.5 firmware builds on Samsung servers. Early sightings included the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7, and more recently the update has been traced to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Flip FE.
What this discovery means
- Samsung is actively testing One UI 8.5 across foldable families, not just flagships.
- Seeing firmware for both the Flip 7 and Flip FE implies the update will reach a wider set of users.
- The Flip FE’s firmware is especially notable because it shares an Exynos chip with last year’s Galaxy S24 and S24+, suggesting those models may also get the 8.5 build soon.
Why the Flip FE matters for the update roadmap
Unlike the premium Flip 7, the Galaxy Z Flip FE uses components shared with Samsung’s more mainstream S-series phones. That connection makes the FE’s firmware leak a strong signal: One UI 8.5 development for earlier S-series phones is likely progressing in parallel. In short, a Flip FE build often forecasts coming support for other Exynos-based devices.
When can users expect the public beta or release?
Timing remains uncertain. Samsung rolled out One UI 8 fairly quickly last cycle, so many expected a similar cadence for 8.5. However, reported delays — including those affecting the Galaxy S26 launch window — may have slowed the public beta schedule. The recent firmware discoveries are still encouraging, though: they show Samsung is testing wide-ranging hardware compatibility even if the official beta is a little late.
For Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip FE owners, this is a sign to keep an eye on Samsung's beta announcements and software update pages. Firmware on company servers usually precedes staged rollouts, so a broader beta or stable release could arrive once internal testing wraps up.
Expect more leaks and build numbers to surface as testing continues. For now, the presence of One UI 8.5 on clamshell models is the clearest hint yet that Samsung plans to extend the update beyond its premium flagships.
Source: sammobile
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