Samsung’s One UI 8.5 rollout is pushing further into its 2023 lineup. The Galaxy S23 FE has started receiving the update in South Korea, marking the beginning of what appears to be the third wave of Samsung’s phased One UI 8.5 deployment.
The build shipping to Korean Galaxy S23 FE units carries the firmware version EZDT (via Tarun Vats). As is typical with Samsung’s regional rollouts, the build number will likely differ by market, but the software content stays consistent across regions. A global expansion should follow in the coming days.
Samsung has been methodical about the One UI 8.5 rollout, pushing it out in distinct waves based on device generation. The 2025 Galaxy S flagships and foldables went first, followed by the 2024 models in the second wave. Now, the 2023 Galaxy S series is getting its turn, with the S23 FE leading the charge. If you want to know whether your device is on the eligible list, check out our One UI 8.5 eligible devices roundup.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 are expected to follow shortly, which makes sense given they also launched in 2023. Beyond foldables, Samsung is simultaneously expanding One UI 8.5 to mid-range devices, with the Galaxy A56 having already received the update today as well.
What One UI 8.5 actually brings
For Galaxy S23 FE owners, this is a significant upgrade. One UI 8.5 is arguably one of Samsung’s more substantial software refreshes in recent memory, with a clear emphasis on visual refinement. The update introduces translucent UI effects, a cleaner design language, redesigned navigation elements, and noticeably smoother animations throughout the system.
Multitasking has also seen improvements, and Samsung has updated several stock apps while expanding Galaxy AI capabilities. Quick Share, accessibility options, and privacy controls have all been enhanced as part of the package. It’s worth keeping in mind that some of the more advanced AI features remain exclusive to flagship hardware, so S23 FE users won’t get everything the S25 series has. Still, the overall experience should feel considerably more polished after the update lands. You can get a full breakdown of what’s included in our One UI 8.5 feature and release overview.
If you’re on the Galaxy S23 FE and based in Korea, the update may already be waiting for you. Everyone else should see it arrive within the next few weeks as Samsung widens the rollout. We’ll keep you updated as more regions come online.
