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Dec 9, 2025
Samsung rolls out One UI 8.5 beta with a big list of changes
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Summary The One UI 8.5 beta is live as of December 8 for Galaxy S25 devices in select markets; wider rollout likely after S26 launch. Quality-of-life features include: Photo Assist, smarter Quick Share, Audio Broadcast, Storage Share, and enhanced Theft Protection. Enroll via the Samsung Members app. Be aware that betas can be buggy -- proceed at your own risk!
It's that time of year -- Samsung has officially announced the release of the One UI 8.5 beta program. The beta is available as of December 8 in select markets, including the US, UK, Germany, India, Poland, and Korea. At launch, only Galaxy S25 series devices are eligible, but this could expand as the program progresses.
The release follows Samsung's usual pattern of opening up public beta access in the fall, with the final release coinciding with the launch of the next Galaxy S series of phones (in this case, the Galaxy S26) in the first months of the new year.
One UI 8.5 changes Lots of little upgrades add up
As with many updates these days, the list of changes feels relatively minor. However, the small quality-of-life features add up to an improved user experience. Samsung itself is headlining the following upgrades over One UI 8:
Feature
Description
Photo Assist
Users can continue generating new images without interruption.
Quick Share
Recognizes people in photos you're sharing and suggests the appropriate contacts.
Audio Broadcast
Enables easier sharing of audio to LE Audio-supported devices; users can also broadcast their voice using the phone's built-in mic.
Storage Share
Lets you view files from other Galaxy devices directly in the My Files app.
Theft Protection
Failed Authentication Lock automatically locks the screen after too many failed identity-verification attempts.
Other more minor updates include the ability to adjust the thickness of your clock font on the lock screen, an enhanced weather widget, and a time zone comparison tool in the Clock app.
Beta software can be buggy. I
