Samsung rolls out one ui 8.5 beta to tab s11 series – a s26-like experience?
Samsung is quietly bolstering the Galaxy Tab
S11 lineup with the arrival of One UI 8.5 Beta 3, a surprisingly feature-rich update that’s already rolling out to South Korean users.A glimpse of the future: beta 3 brings ai and design tweaks
While the stable One UI 8.5 build for the Galaxy S25 remains elusive for tablet users, the Tab S11 is receiving a significant boost. This latest beta iteration, version X936NKOU5ZZD7, introduces a host of improvements, headlined by the debut of Creative Studio – previously exclusive to the upcoming S26 series.
Users can now experiment with AI-powered image generation, create custom stickers, and personalize backgrounds, effectively bringing a taste of Samsung’s flagship innovations to their larger tablets. But it's more than just aesthetics; the update addresses long-standing usability issues, notably streamlining multitasking, particularly when leveraging split-screen modes.
Addressing the dex divide
Samsung is also refining its DeX Mode, tackling execution errors in Guest Mode and enhancing stability across multiple displays. This is a critical step for users who rely on the Tab S11 as a desktop replacement, ensuring a smoother, more consistent experience.
Beyond the surface: call screening and enhanced security
Beyond the visual and functional enhancements, One UI 8.5 Beta 3 includes Call Screening, an improved version of Bixby’s text call feature, designed to filter out spam and fraudulent calls. This represents a tangible effort to improve user security and reduce frustration.
Delayed gratification for tablets?
Despite the rapid progress on the S23 and S25, the Tab S11 series continues to face a potential delay in receiving the stable One UI 8.5 release. While a rollout in May 2026 remains a plausible scenario, Samsung’s prioritization of flagship devices suggests tablet users may need to wait a bit longer. However, this beta update demonstrates that Samsung isn’t neglecting its larger-screen devices, justifying the initial premium price tag and hinting at a future where the Tab S11 truly embodies the capabilities of the Galaxy S26.
The Galaxy Tab S11 is evolving beyond a simple ‘big screen’ tablet. It’s becoming a genuinely capable device, ready to showcase the best of Samsung’s innovation – a welcome development for those invested in this high-end ecosystem.