According to SamMobile, Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 8.5 update specifically for US carrier-locked Galaxy Tab S8+ models. The update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and introduces new user interface elements along with additional features. This represents one of the earliest deployments of Samsung’s latest software version for their tablet lineup. The update is currently limited to carrier-locked devices in the United States, suggesting a staged rollout approach.
The update reality check
Here’s the thing about carrier-locked Android updates – they’re notoriously slow and unpredictable. Even though Samsung is pushing this out, your actual experience getting it might vary wildly depending on whether you’re on Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Each carrier adds their own bloatware and “customizations” that can delay updates by weeks or even months. And let’s be honest – how many people are still rocking a carrier-locked tablet in 2024 anyway?
Android 16 already?
Wait, Android 16 QPR2? That seems… ambitious. We’re barely into Android 15’s development cycle, and Samsung is already working on something two versions ahead? Either this is some internal naming confusion or Samsung is planning way further out than usual. Historically, Samsung’s update schedule has been improving, but promising software that’s multiple Android versions ahead feels like setting expectations a bit too high. Remember when companies would announce features that took years to actually materialize?
The tablet update pattern
Tablets have always been the forgotten children in the Android update family. Phones get priority, then maybe – just maybe – tablets get some love months later. The fact that the Tab S8+ is getting this relatively quickly is promising, but I’ll believe it when I see widespread adoption. Samsung has made big promises about update consistency before, only to have regional variations and carrier interference mess everything up. Basically, don’t hold your breath if you’re outside the US or using an unlocked model.
