Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta Suddenly Delayed — Galaxy S26+ to Blame?

One UI 8.5, the next major software update from Samsung, which was previously anticipated to begin beta testing in November, is now said to be delayed. According to a famous leaker on X, the rollout may not take place as scheduled, as the manufacturer has altered its internal development priorities, giving the Galaxy S26+ model the top spot.

The One UI 8.5 interface will be rolled out first with the Galaxy S26 series, which was earlier thought to be a very early launch next year. Nevertheless, recent rumors have implied that the developmental timeline has changed, thereby making the series’ release window closer to March 2026.

According to the insiders, the Galaxy S26+, which was once thought to be discontinued and replaced by a new Galaxy S26 Edge, has been brought back to life after the Galaxy S25 Edge's sales turned out to be less than impressive. This internal reassignment took place not long ago and in the meantime, portions of Samsung's software roadmap were said to have been put on hold so that the One UI 8.5 rollout could be lined up with the renewed hardware strategy.

The big news of the revival of the S26+ is that it seems to have resulted in the scheduling of Samsung’s mobile division’s calendar across the board being a lot more flexible. Being that the company is aiming for the hardware and software to be unveiled together, it is no longer operationally logical to test One UI 8.5 on older models such as the S25 lineup, as the final public release may come months later.

There has not been any official confirmation; however, industry insiders opine that the delay is part of Samsung’s strategy to grant equal status and to enhance the performance of its future devices as well as the new software version. For the time being, the beta release window for One UI 8.5 still remains unclear.