Samsung has officially launched the public beta of One UI 8.5, its next major update for Galaxy devices. Starting December 8, 2025, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra users can enroll in the beta program and get their hands on Samsung’s upcoming firmware.
The initial release is limited to six markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, India and Poland. Although there is no confirmation yet, One UI 8.5 is expected to launch globally next year alongside the Galaxy S26 series. By then, many more devices will likely be eligible for the update.
With the update, users get numerous improvements, such as a revamped Photo Assist feature for smoother, continuous photo editing and a storage sharing feature that allows Galaxy devices (including phones, tablets and even TVs) to seamlessly access duplicate files.
Additionally, there’s a new Audio Broadcast feature that turns a Galaxy phone into a microphone for compatible devices. One UI 8.5 also includes a more customizable quick settings menu, updated app icons, and some updates to core apps like Calculator, Clock, and Calendar.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung is doubling down on building a tighter, more integrated Galaxy ecosystem that functions like a unified platform rather than separate devices. This helps with cross-device connectivity, content creation (via the shared storage feature), and user security (via the new anti-theft system and a failed authentication lock).
If you own a Galaxy S25 series smartphone, be among the first to try out the new One UI 8.5 interface and features. Even if you don’t currently have a compatible phone, Samsung should make the new firmware available to its older devices (like the Galaxy S24 and S23 series, as well as the current and older Galaxy Z Fold & Flip models) soon.
Additionally, it ensures that the Galaxy ecosystem becomes more cohesive and reduces friction for users when working with multiple devices and sharing or managing files between them. Keep an eye on the company’s announcements or the Digital trends Newsfeed for the latest updates on Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update.
