Samsung: One UI 8.5 Beta starts for Galaxy S25 series

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Samsung's second major update based on Android 16 is entering public testing: One UI 8.5, which is expected to be released in its final version with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, can now be installed on the Galaxy S25 series. Users need to register via the Members app.

More Photo Assist and Auracast

As Samsung writes in its press release, the update brings "new features for increased user-friendliness, productivity, data protection, and performance across the Galaxy ecosystem." Among the innovations are an updated Photo Assist function for "uninterrupted image editing with edit history" and an optimized Quick Share. According to Samsung, the function can recognize contacts in photos and suggest sharing with them.

Connectivity is also to be improved: With the Audio Broadcast feature, communication between LE Audio-supported devices in the vicinity will be possible using Auracast. In addition to sharing audio content from media sources, users can also broadcast their voice via the integrated microphone of their Galaxy smartphone – according to Samsung, this is "ideal for group situations such as guided tours or events."

Another new feature is "Storage Share," which allows files from other Galaxy devices – including tablets and PCs – to be displayed directly in the "My Files" app. The devices must be logged into the same Samsung account, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled. If desired, users can access the smartphone's files from other Samsung devices – including the TV.

Security

Samsung is also stepping up security with One UI 8.5: the update is intended to improve device protection and give users more control over their security settings. Furthermore, the manufacturer is enhancing anti-theft protection and protecting smartphones and their data in case of loss or theft, it is stated.

An additional new protection is device lock on failed authentication, which automatically locks the screen if too many failed attempts to verify identity via fingerprint, PIN, or password have occurred.

One UI 8.5 has even more on board

The aforementioned innovations are merely the changes listed by Samsung at the release of the beta. It is already known from a leak of the beta software that the update will be more extensive. Among other things, the new software brings more comprehensive changes regarding the UI design. Among other things, quick access is to be fully customizable and numerous standard apps have been visually revised. Even Samsung's assistant Bixby receives an update, allowing users to give commands in natural language. The leaker Tarun Vats has published screenshots of the complete changelog.

As experience shows, not all upcoming features are part of the beta version that has now been released. The manufacturer is holding back some features intended for the Galaxy S26, which are very likely to be primarily AI functions. According to Samsung, the next Galaxy S generation will receive another leap in the AI sector, which is expected to lead to a "second golden age" for the South Koreans' smartphone business. The S26 series is expected around the end of February 2026; only after that does the rollout of the final software for the S25 and other Galaxy smartphones usually occur.

(afl)