According to tech tipster Ice Universe (@UniverseIce/X), Samsung is currently testing a new build of One UI 8.5 with firmware version ZZAA that incorporates a significantly newer Linux kernel. This kernel upgrade is tied to the upcoming One UI 8.5 Beta 4 for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra devices. Ice Universe claims that the One UI system with this upgrade feels smoother and more responsive
, with improvements noted in touch response, animations, and overall fluidity
.
The reported kernel version jump from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98 represents 21 revisions in a single update, marking the first kernel upgrade since Samsung initiated One UI 8.5 development. Previous beta builds reportedly utilized the same kernel base, which may have limited low-level performance enhancements. In Android devices, the kernel serves as the fundamental link between software and hardware, managing communication with components such as the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and touch controller. Consequently, kernel updates can lead to improvements in system performance, memory management, and overall efficiency.
Such upgrades can result in faster application launching, smoother multitasking, and potentially improved battery life due to optimized resource management. Historically, kernel upgrades are not frequent and require extensive testing to ensure stability and compatibility. Samsung officially launched the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series on , in markets including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. The beta program is accessible via the Samsung Members app.
The kernel upgrade suggests Samsung may have waited for a stable batch of improvements rather than releasing incremental updates, indicating a focus on comprehensive system optimization. This move hints that Samsung is nearing the stabilization phase of One UI 8.5, with final performance tuning underway. Improved system decision-making regarding task prioritization, resource allocation, and interface response speed are among the stated goals. The One UI 8.5 beta has seen previous updates, including Beta 3 on , which addressed issues such as lock screen glitches, gallery lag, and excessive battery drain.
The exact release date for One UI 8.5 Beta 4 is not officially confirmed by Samsung. While some reports suggest it could arrive on or , based on previous beta rollout patterns, this remains speculative. Specific benchmarks or numerical performance improvements resulting from this kernel upgrade have not been released by Samsung or independent testers at this time. It is also unknown if this kernel upgrade will extend to other Galaxy devices or only remain with the S25 series in the beta phase. The precise details of the changes within kernel version 6.6.98 that contribute to the reported fluidity improvements are not publicly detailed.
If the kernel upgrade is included in One UI 8.5 Beta 4, users participating in the beta program for the Galaxy S25 series can expect to experience a more fluid and responsive user interface. This update is a strong signal that Samsung is refining the software for its eventual stable release. The stable One UI 8.5 update, based on Android 16, is projected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, with a wider rollout to eligible devices expected to follow. The rollout for eligible devices is projected to take place primarily before of this year, with flagship and mid-range lines likely taking priority.
Users currently enrolled in the One UI 8.5 beta program for their Galaxy S25 series devices should monitor their Samsung Members app for notifications regarding the Beta 4 update. It is advisable to back up device data before installing any beta software. Those not in the beta program should await the stable release of One UI 8.5, which will be available after official testing and stabilization are complete. Users interested in the specifics of kernel versions can typically find this information in their device’s “About Phone” settings under the Android version page.
Follow us on Bluesky , LinkedIn , and X to Get Instant Updates
