The One UI 8.5 beta program has just landed on Samsung's latest foldables. The company has begun distributing this first update for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7, although for now only in South Korea and the United Kingdom. The build, identified with firmware version ZZC5, occupies around 4.5 GB and arrives with the February security patch — a striking detail, considering that we are already in March.
It is the first major software update that these foldables have received since their launch in July 2025, when they debuted with One UI 8 on Android 16. For users of the Galaxy S25 series, on the other hand, they are already in the seventh beta, which well illustrates Samsung's usual order of priorities: first the Galaxy S, then the foldable ones and, we'll see, the rest.
What does One UI 8.5 bring and how can it be installed?
One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 QPR2 and brings a quite striking visual redesign: cleaner interface, blur effects spread throughout the UI and more refined dynamic colors. The Quick Settings panel becomes fully customizable — you can reorder, resize, or delete shortcuts — and Galaxy AI's capabilities are expanded with improvements to Photo Assistant and the Now Nudge feature, which offers real-time contextual suggestions. Improvements for one-handed use and updated Good Lock modules are also added.
To install it you have to enter the app Samsung Memberslocate the One UI 8.5 beta program banner and sign up. Once accepted, the update will appear in the device's software settings. Samsung will progressively open access to more countries, and if the pace is maintained, the stable version could reach the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in April, although Samsung's deadlines are more of an estimate than a commitment.
