The One UI 8.5 Beta Program has finally moved past the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung has started rolling out the first beta build to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, marking the first time a non-S25 device has joined the testing program. Its clamshell sibling, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, is expected to follow shortly.
This is a notable moment given how long Samsung kept the beta exclusive to the S25 trio. There were early signs Samsung was preparing to widen the program, and the Z Fold 7 is now the first device outside that circle to actually receive a build.
The update arriving on the Fold 7 is Beta 1, carries the firmware version F966NKSU8ZZC5, as spotted by Tarun Vats. It’s a hefty download at around 4.25GB, so a stable Wi-Fi connection is a good idea before pulling the trigger. One UI 8.5, built on Android 16 QPR2, brings a refreshed look to the interface with a blur effect applied across the UI, new Galaxy AI features, and general experience improvements throughout.
How to join the beta and install the update
The beta program isn’t opt-in automatically. You’ll need to open the Samsung Members app, scroll down until you spot the Beta banner, and tap through to register. It walks you through the terms before letting you hit Enroll. Once that’s done, head to Settings > Software update to download and install the build when it shows up.
One important caveat: the program is currently live only in India and South Korea. If you’re elsewhere, you won’t see the Beta banner just yet. Samsung may expand availability to regions like the US and Europe as testing progresses.
If you’ve been waiting to see when your Galaxy device gets One UI 8.5, the beta expansion to foldables is a good sign that the broader rollout is taking shape. We’ll keep you updated as more devices join the program and as Samsung inches toward a stable release for the Z series. Stay tuned to our Samsung section or join our Telegram channel for the latest.
