Galaxy S26 AI features land on older Samsung flagships via One UI 8.5 beta

At a glance:

• Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta brings Galaxy S26 AI tools to S24 series, Z Fold 6/Flip 6, and S25 FE.
• New capabilities include Call Screening with live transcripts, Creative Studio generative edits, and Audio Eraser for third-party apps.
• Beta 3 (F741NKSU3ZZDD/F956NKSU3ZZDD) and Beta 4 (F966BXXU9ZZDD) are rolling out in multiple regions, including India.

AI features once exclusive to the S26 now reach older flagships

Samsung is extending the reach of its latest Galaxy S26 AI innovations to a broad lineup of existing flagship devices through the One UI 8.5 beta program. The move marks a significant shift in Samsung's software strategy, allowing owners of recent high-end models to access cutting-edge AI tools without upgrading to the newest hardware. Devices receiving the update include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy S25 FE.

This expansion follows the release of the tenth One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, after which Samsung turned its attention to legacy models. The company's decision to cast a "surprisingly wide net" reflects both the maturity of its AI stack and a desire to maximize the value of its software ecosystem. By enabling these features on last year's hardware, Samsung aims to keep its installed base engaged while differentiating its devices from competitors still reliant on more basic software enhancements.

New AI tools enhance productivity and creativity

The One UI 8.5 beta introduces several marquee AI capabilities previously reserved for the Galaxy S26. Call Screening now answers unknown calls on behalf of the user and provides live transcripts of the conversation in real time, making it easier to screen spam or urgent calls without picking up. Creative Studio, integrated into the Gallery app, offers generative editing tools and sticker creation, allowing users to transform photos with AI-driven effects and custom graphics.

Photo Assist has also been upgraded, streamlining object removal and background fill operations for cleaner, more professional-looking edits. Audio Eraser, another standout feature, now works across third-party apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram, not just Samsung's native camera software. This means users can remove wind noise or other unwanted audio from videos recorded in their preferred social media apps, broadening the utility of the tool beyond Samsung's own ecosystem.

Beta rollout details and regional availability

Beta testers with Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 have begun receiving their third One UI 8.5 beta update, identified by build numbers F741NKSU3ZZDD (Flip 6) and F956NKSU3ZZDD (Fold 6). The update weighs in at over 800 MB and addresses several usability issues, including lock screen clock placement, taskbar visibility, and audio glitches during media playback.

In India, the rollout is progressing with Beta 4 (build F966BXXU9ZZDD) now available for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, according to tipster Tarun Vats on X. The Galaxy S25 FE is also receiving the update in the region, ensuring that even Samsung's more affordable flagship-tier device benefits from the latest AI enhancements. This staggered, region-specific approach allows Samsung to fine-tune the software before a wider public release.

What this means for users and the broader market

For current Samsung flagship owners, the beta program offers an early look at features that could significantly improve daily productivity and creative workflows. The inclusion of third-party app support in Audio Eraser, for example, addresses a common pain point for mobile videographers who rely on social platforms for content creation. Similarly, live Call Screening transcripts could reduce the friction of managing unknown callers, a feature that has become increasingly relevant in an era of rising spam calls.

From a market perspective, Samsung's decision to backport S26 AI features to older devices could pressure rivals to accelerate their own software update cycles. By demonstrating that advanced AI tools do not require the latest silicon, Samsung may influence consumer expectations around the longevity and value of high-end smartphones. The strategy also aligns with broader industry trends toward longer software support windows, as users demand more from their devices over multi-year ownership periods.

Timeline and next steps

While the beta is currently limited to enrolled participants, Samsung has not yet announced a firm date for the stable One UI 8.5 release. Based on the company's typical beta-to-stable cadence, the public rollout could arrive as early as next month. Users still on One UI 8 will need to wait for the official update to access these features, though the beta program remains open to those willing to trade stability for early access.

As Samsung continues to refine the software through user feedback, the final version of One UI 8.5 is expected to deliver a polished experience across the supported device range. For now, beta testers in multiple regions are paving the way, ensuring that the Galaxy S26's most compelling AI innovations reach a much wider audience than originally anticipated.