Samsung has started to move with One UI 8.5 in the current high range. The first internal test firmware for the Galaxy S24 Ultra has already appeared on the company's servers, a clear clue that the big leap in software based on Android 16 is closer than we thought.
For now this is a build reserved for internal use and is aimed at engineers and testers; It cannot be easily installed on a conventional device. Still, this move comes just as the start of the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series is rumored and raises questions about whether the Galaxy S24 family will also be able to participate in such testing, although the appearance of this internal build is a positive sign.
First internal firmware for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
The firmware detected for the Galaxy S24 Ultra responds to build number S928BXXU4DYL5 and has been located on Samsung's servers by the well-known leaker Tarun Vats. As happened with the trial versions of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and of Galaxy Z Fold 7it is likely that this ROM will end up leaking in the coming weeks for more advanced users.
That this first firmware appears now makes sense: the Galaxy S24 series already enjoys One UI 8 stableso 8.5 will be your next major step. These early builds are used to check stability, battery consumption or compatibility with features such as Galaxy AI and Samsung's own applications, before launching a public beta or directly to stable deployment.
The news of One UI 8.5 that points to the Galaxy S24
Although this test firmware does not include a public changelog, the huge leaked changelog from One UI 8.5 makes it pretty clear what Galaxy S24 owners can expect. There will be improvements to Galaxy AI with continuous image generation in Photo Assist, a Bixby more natural that understands commands in everyday language and a conversation history accessible directly from the application.
It also premieres Storage Sharewhich allows you to access files from other Samsung phones, tablets, PCs and even televisions directly from “My files”. The quick panel will be much more customizable, with the ability to rearrange virtually all shortcuts, and the lock screen will gain a smarter layout that automatically adjusts the clock and widgets so as not to obscure important parts of the background.
Among the practical changes, a section of completely redesigned batterynew energy saving modes, improvements in Samsung Health and security controls, as well as new functions such as partial screen recording or Calculator “nudges”, which suggest formulas and numbers that you have copied. And be careful, because One UI 8.5 also works on an option to block apps with excessive adsa feature long requested by users.
One UI 8.5 and the future of the Galaxy S24 Ultra
The big question now is when all this will come to fruition. Galaxy S24 Ultra and the rest of the family. The leaks suggest that the One UI 8.5 beta will start first on the Galaxy S25 and that the stable version will debut alongside the future Galaxy S26 at the beginning of 2026, but already seeing an internal firmware for the Galaxy S24 Ultra suggests that it will not be far behind, or at least that is what many users hope.
If Samsung maintains the pace of updates in recent years, it is logical that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive One UI 8.5 a few weeks after the Galaxy S26 series, perhaps with or without a prior beta depending on the country. In any case, the message is clear: the brand's current flagship still has a way to go at the software level and has a very interesting large update ahead. Would you update to a possible One UI 8.5 beta on your Galaxy S24 or would you prefer to comfortably wait for the stable version?
