Samsung Galaxy A26 receives the update to One UI 8.5

Samsung Brings One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy A26

Samsung is on a tear with its latest software updates. After first introducing One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup back in January, the company has been busy bringing those new features to the rest of its ecosystem. We’ve already seen the update hit the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, as well as Samsung’s latest foldables. Now, it’s time for the mid-range favorite, the Galaxy A26, to get in on the action.

What’s New for the Galaxy A26?

The Galaxy A26 has had a pretty active software journey since it launched last March with One UI 7. It jumped to One UI 8 back in September, and this latest bump to version 8.5 proves Samsung is serious about keeping its A-series devices feeling fresh. The update was recently spotted live in Guatemala with the firmware version A266MUBU9CZEA.

If you’re wondering why you haven’t seen the notification on your phone yet, keep in mind that Samsung typically releases these updates in stages. It might take a few days to reach every device in Guatemala, and we expect a broader rollout to other regions to follow shortly after. If you’re the impatient type, you can always head to your settings menu and give the ‘Software Update’ button a manual tap.

Is the Galaxy A26 Still a Good Buy?

With consistent software support like this, the Galaxy A26 remains a strong contender in the mid-range market. It’s great to see features that debuted on the flagship S26 family trickling down to more affordable hardware so quickly. If you’re considering picking one up or just want to see how it stacks up against the competition, check out our deep-dive video review below:

For those who prefer a more technical breakdown, our full written review covers everything from battery life to camera performance in exhaustive detail. It’s a must-read if you want to know exactly what you’re getting for your money.