Overview
- The One UI 8.5 source code lists codenames M1, M2 and M3 with 2D renders showing a pill-shaped camera island and a rounder S26 Ultra, replacing the floating camera rings.
- Samsung’s next flagships are expected to ship with One UI 8.5 on Android 16, with a One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 models tipped to begin in the second week of December.
- Leaks indicate iterative imaging gains such as a wider f/1.4 main-lens aperture on the Ultra, larger sensors on select cameras, and upgraded ISPs rather than megapixel changes.
- Reporting coalesces around a late-January announcement and mid-February shipping window, and a likely regional chipset split with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Ultra and Exynos 2600 in some S26 and S26+ units.
- Battery rumors point to continuity for the Ultra at around 5,000mAh and a lift to 4,300mAh for the base S26, alongside claims of faster charging up to 60W wired and 25W wireless.