Samsung has officially launched the public beta of One UI 8.5, its next major update for Galaxy devices. Starting on December 8, 2025, users of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra can enrol 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’s no confirmation yet, One UI 8.5 should launch globally next year alongside the Galaxy S26 series. By then, many more devices should become eligible for the update.
With the update, users get plenty of improvements, such as a revamped Photo Assist feature for smoother, continuous photo editing and a Storage Share feature that lets Galaxy devices (including phones, tablets, and even TVs) access duplicate files seamlessly.
Furthermore, 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, refreshed app icons, and a couple of 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, acting 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 Theft Protection system and a Failed Authentication Lock).
If you own a smartphone from the Galaxy S25 series, you’re among the first to try out the new One UI 8.5 user interface and features. Even if you don’t have a compatible phone now, Samsung should make the new firmware available for its older devices (like the Galaxy S24 and S23 series, and the current and older Galaxy Z Fold & Flip models) pretty soon.
Moreover, it makes the Galaxy ecosystem more cohesive, reducing the friction users face when working with multiple devices and sharing or managing files between them. Keep an eye on the company’s announcements or the DigitalTrends news feed for the latest updates on Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update.