Samsung expands one ui 8.5 beta – galaxy a36 5g gets the treatment

Samsung is quietly expanding its One UI 8.5 beta program, bringing the latest Android skin to a wider range of devices – and for the first time, a Galaxy A series phone.

Galaxy s23 ultra, fold 5, and flip 5 now part of the beta

The rollout includes the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23 Plus, S23, S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and, crucially, the new Galaxy A36 5G. While the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 are limited to Korea and the US, the A36 5G will be available exclusively in India.

Beta isn’t for the faint of heart

Let's be clear: beta programs are inherently buggy. I've spent considerable time with previous iterations, and the frustration of encountering persistent issues – often rendering a phone effectively unusable – is a familiar one. While the AirDrop support via Quick Share through One UI 8.5 is a welcome addition, it's a small consolation against a landscape of potential gremlins. I tend to wait for stable releases; the risk simply isn’t worth it for my daily driver.

How to join the beta

Enrollment is straightforward. Simply open the Samsung Members app, sign in with your Samsung account, and navigate to the One UI 8.5 beta banner on the home screen. The update will then be delivered over the air, though patience is advised – deployments are phased and regional.

A calculated rollout

This controlled rollout – India for the A36 5G, Korea and the US for the foldable devices – suggests a cautious approach from Samsung. It's a pragmatic strategy to mitigate potential widespread disruption. But for those willing to brave the bugs, the A36 5G’s inclusion represents a significant step forward for the beta program, offering a valuable early look at what's coming.