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Samsung Releases New Free Upgrade To Millions Of Galaxy Phones

Samsung's One UI 8.5 rollout is now reaching Galaxy S23 and A-series phones globally. Here's what's included, what's missing, and how to check for the update.

Forbes 2 min read 6/10
Samsung Releases New Free Upgrade To Millions Of Galaxy Phones
Key Takeaways
  • Samsung One UI 8.5 is rolling out to Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, Galaxy A56, A55, and A54 starting May 23, 2026.
  • Over 50 million devices are expected to receive the update within the first month, based on Samsung's previous rollout cadence.
  • The update includes Galaxy AI features like real-time translation in WhatsApp, AI photo remastering, and intelligent battery optimization.
  • Security patch level is updated to May 1, 2026, with fixes for 42 CVEs including two critical Android vulnerabilities.
  • Exclusive features missing from A-series include ProVisual Engine 2.0 and Ultra HDR video recording, which remain on S23 or newer flagships.
Millions of Samsung Galaxy users are waking up to a free upgrade that brings cutting-edge AI features to older devices. Samsung has begun rolling out One UI 8.5 to Galaxy S23 and A-series phones globally, extending new AI capabilities and performance optimizations to a broader audience. The update, announced on May 23, 2026, emphasizes Samsung's strategy of democratizing its latest software innovations beyond flagship models. One UI 8.5 builds on the foundation of One UI 8, which debuted on the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year. Samsung has rapidly backported many of its Galaxy AI features, including real-time translation, photo editing tools, and conversational assist capabilities. For the Galaxy S23 lineup and select A-series devices such as the Galaxy A56 and A55, this update marks a significant leap in software capability. Key additions include improved Circle to Search functionality, enhanced Nightography video, and a new AI-powered battery management system that learns user habits. Some advanced features like ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI Live Translation in select apps remain exclusive to newer models. However, Samsung confirmed that most core AI enhancements are included. Analysts see this as a strategic move to maintain user loyalty and reduce upgrade fatigue. By providing meaningful updates to devices that are one to two years old, Samsung keeps its ecosystem competitive against Google's Pixel Feature Drops and Apple's iOS updates. The rollout began in South Korea and has expanded to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. The update also includes the May 2026 security patch, addressing over 40 vulnerabilities. It is recommended to download over Wi-Fi and back up data before installation. Samsung has not yet announced a timeline for the One UI 8.5 update on the Galaxy S22 or older A-series phones, but sources suggest a broader rollout by late summer. For now, millions of Galaxy users benefit from a faster, smarter phone without spending a penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Samsung One UI 8.5 is a software update for Galaxy devices that brings new AI-powered features, performance improvements, and the latest security patches. It is available for select Samsung smartphones including the Galaxy S23 series and several A-series models.

One UI 8.5 is rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and A-series models Galaxy A56, A55, and A54. Samsung may expand the update to other devices in the coming weeks.

One UI 8.5 includes expanded Galaxy AI features like real-time translation in messaging apps, AI photo editing tools, improved Circle to Search, and intelligent battery management. It also includes the May 2026 security patch and general system optimizations.

To install One UI 8.5, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. Ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery. Back up your data before updating to avoid any loss.

Yes, the One UI 8.5 update is free for all eligible Samsung Galaxy devices. There are no charges associated with downloading and installing the update.

One UI 8.5 brings most core Galaxy AI features to older devices, but some hardware-dependent capabilities like ProVisual Engine 2.0 and Ultra HDR video recording remain exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series and newer flagships.

Topics

Samsung One UI 8.5 Galaxy S23 update Galaxy A series update Samsung software upgrade Android update Galaxy AI mobile technology Samsung news

Original source

www.forbes.com

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