Samsung’s latest One UI 8.5 update started rolling out on May 6, 2026, bringing new features and improvements to many Galaxy devices. However, a number of devices launched in 2022, including flagship models like the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4, will not receive this update.
- One UI 8.5 update began rolling out in May 2026 but excludes many 2022 Galaxy devices
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and some midrange phones won’t get the update
- Samsung cites optimization challenges due to Android 16 QPR2 base for limited rollout
- Older devices have fulfilled promised Android OS upgrades, possibly explaining the update cutoff
One UI 8.5 rollout focuses on newer Galaxy devices
Samsung released One UI 8.5 primarily for devices launched in 2023 and later, covering a wide range from flagship to entry-level models. Despite initial development efforts on the Galaxy S22 series, including test builds spotted on servers, Samsung halted further development for these 2022 devices. This decision leaves many users of last year’s Galaxy phones without the newest software enhancements.
Notable devices missing the One UI 8.5 update
The list of Galaxy devices that are not eligible for the One UI 8.5 update includes the Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A73, A53, A33, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S8 series. Essentially, many devices launched in 2022 are excluded from this software upgrade.
Why Samsung skipped the update for older models
Samsung’s Germany Newsroom confirmed that One UI 8.5 targets flagship devices starting from the Galaxy S23 and the last three generations of Galaxy A-series phones. This confirms the update will not extend to most phones launched in 2022 or earlier. One reason is that these older devices have already received the promised four generations of Android OS upgrades, with Android 16 being the final one for the Galaxy S22 series.
Another significant factor is the technical challenge of optimizing One UI 8.5. This update is based on Android 16 QPR2, a new branch of Android 16 with updated APIs and developer tools. The differences between the original Android 16 and QPR2 mean that porting One UI 8.5 to older devices requires more complex optimization, which Samsung may have chosen to avoid for certain models.
What this means for Galaxy users
For users of the Galaxy S22 and other 2022 devices, missing out on One UI 8.5 means they will not receive the latest user interface tweaks and features introduced in this update. While this might be disappointing, these devices have already enjoyed multiple major Android upgrades and remain supported for security updates. Users interested in the newest One UI features may consider newer Galaxy models that come with One UI 8.5 out of the box.
Via: Gizmochina
