Samsung is gearing up to release One UI 8.5, its next major software update based on Android 16. The new version has been in testing for months, and the rollout is expected to begin very soon. As usual, the upcoming Galaxy S26 series will debut with One UI 8.5 out of the box, before older Galaxy devices begin receiving the update.
However, new information suggests that not every eligible Galaxy phone will make the cut.
Galaxy S21 FE may miss out on One UI 8.5
While Samsung has yet to publish an official One UI 8.5 eligibility list or release schedule, early reports have started to surface. According to a response from Samsung Members support, the Galaxy S21 FE will not receive the One UI 8.5 upgrade.
This comes as a surprise to many users.
The Galaxy S21 FE is still scheduled to receive Android 16 and security updates until January 2027, which makes its reported exclusion from One UI 8.5 somewhat confusing. Given that the update is rolling out this month and the device remains within its official support window, many expected it to be included.
Not official — yet
It’s important to note that this information comes from Samsung support and not from an official public announcement. Samsung has not yet released a finalized list of devices eligible for One UI 8.5.
Until the company publishes its official roadmap, there’s still a possibility that plans could change.
For now, only the Galaxy S25 series — which has already been previewing the beta build — is fully confirmed to receive the upgrade. More Galaxy devices are expected to follow once the rollout officially begins.
What happens next?
With the One UI 8.5 announcement just days away, Samsung is expected to share:
- The official release timeline
- The full list of eligible devices
- Regional rollout details
If the Galaxy S21 FE is indeed excluded, it would become the first confirmed Galaxy phone not to receive One UI 8.5 despite still being within its software support cycle.
We’ll have to wait for Samsung’s official announcement to know for sure.
source: Tarun Vats
