Samsung has kicked off the beta program for its One UI 8.5 update, bringing a host of new tools and design tweaks to Galaxy devices. The rollout started on December 8, 2025, targeting the Galaxy S25 series in countries like the US, UK, Germany, Poland, India, and Korea, aiming to boost user experience with better customization and connectivity.
This update builds on Android’s latest foundations, focusing on productivity, privacy, and seamless integration across Samsung’s ecosystem. Users eager to test it can join through the Samsung Members app, but the full stable version is expected in early 2026.
Beta Program Details and How to Join
Samsung announced the One UI 8.5 beta on December 8, 2025, making it available first to Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra owners. The program lets early adopters try out upcoming changes before the wide release.
To participate, users need an unlocked device in supported regions and must sign up via the Samsung Members app. Beta testers get over-the-air updates, but they should back up data first since betas can have bugs.
Reports from testers highlight smooth installation, with the update size around 3GB. Samsung plans multiple beta rounds to gather feedback and fix issues.
The beta emphasizes real-world testing, helping Samsung refine features based on user input. This approach has worked well in past updates, leading to more polished final versions.
Standout New Features in One UI 8.5
One UI 8.5 introduces tools that make daily tasks easier and more fun. A big highlight is the fully customizable Quick Panel, where users can rearrange toggles, sliders, and shortcuts to fit their needs.
Another addition is Storage Share in the My Files app. This lets your phone access files from nearby Samsung devices, like tablets or PCs, after a quick approval prompt.
The Clock app now offers weather backgrounds for alarms. When your alarm goes off, you’ll see the day’s forecast right on the screen, helping you plan your morning.
Audio broadcasts build on Auracast tech, allowing voice sharing with nearby devices through the Quick Panel. This is great for group settings or quick announcements.
- Continuous photo editing with Photo Assist for smarter image tweaks.
- Quick Share improvements that suggest contacts based on people in photos.
- Partial screen recording to capture just what you need.
These features aim to save time and enhance sharing across devices.
Design Updates and User Interface Changes
Samsung has refreshed the look of One UI 8.5 with a new design language. App icons for first-party apps now have a subtle 3D effect, giving them more depth.
The update draws inspiration from modern trends, adding floating rounded buttons and taskbars for a cleaner feel. Blurred backgrounds appear more often, like on the lock screen notifications, making the interface smoother.
Animations feel snappier, and there’s better blur effects throughout. The phone app, messages, and settings screens all get updated layouts for easier navigation.
Users praise the frosted glass style on notifications, which was a popular request in previous betas. This change makes text easier to read against busy wallpapers.
Battery info gets a revamp too, with customizable pill options and improved power-saving modes. Overall, these tweaks make the software feel fresh without overwhelming users.
Supported Devices and Future Rollout
The beta is starting with the Galaxy S25 series, but Samsung has shared a list of devices set for the full update. Older flagships and some mid-range models will join later.
Here’s a table of key devices expected to receive One UI 8.5:
| Device Series | Models Included | Expected Beta Access |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S | S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S24 series | Beta now for S25; others in 2026 |
| Galaxy Z | Z Fold7, Z Flip7, previous folds | Mid-2026 |
| Galaxy A | A55, A35, select others | Late 2026 |
| Galaxy Tablets | Tab S10 series | 2026 |
This rollout follows Samsung’s seven-year update promise for newer devices. The company plans to expand the beta to more models soon.
Stable release timing depends on beta feedback, but insiders point to January or February 2026 for the first wave.
Impact on Users and What to Expect Next
One UI 8.5 positions Samsung to compete with rivals by focusing on personalization and ecosystem links. Features like Storage Share could change how families or teams handle files.
Early feedback from social media and forums shows excitement over the custom Quick Panel and weather integrations. Some users note minor bugs, but overall stability is strong for a beta.
As testing continues, Samsung might add more tweaks based on input. This update ties into broader trends, like enhanced AI tools seen in recent Galaxy launches.
