The latest One UI 8.5 beta arrives as Samsung continues refining its software approach to make everyday interactions feel more seamless. This update focuses on enhanced productivity and tighter privacy controls across the Galaxy ecosystem, offering a smoother workflow without changing how users navigate their devices. Early adopters of the Galaxy S25 series in select markets can already explore the upgrade.
More Intuitive Tools for Content Creation
With One UI 8.5, the upgraded Photo Assist removes repetitive steps in the editing flow, letting users generate and tweak AI-powered edits without saving each version manually. The full edit history stacks all iterations in one place, making it easier to compare results and choose the final output. Generative Edit also adds convenience for those who want fast touch-ups without loading external apps.
Sharing content now feels more natural thanks to improvements in Quick Share. The system can recognize people in photos and proactively recommend sending the images directly to them, keeping everyday sharing as low-friction as possible for users who constantly move between devices.
Better Cross-Device Connectivity
One UI 8.5 strengthens Galaxy-to-Galaxy interactions with smarter file management and easier communication. Audio Broadcast uses LE Audio and Auracast to send voice or media audio to nearby supported devices, turning a phone into an effortless group communication hub. It’s useful for small tours, workshops, or quick announcements.
The new Storage Share ties Galaxy products together more tightly. Files from phones, tablets, PCs, and even TVs can appear directly inside the My Files app, reducing the need to shuffle between devices. Users signed in to the same account can explore or manage content from whichever Galaxy screen is closest at hand.
Improved Protection and Security Controls
The update adds clearer, more proactive ways to keep data safe. Theft Protection secures the phone if it goes missing, while Failed Authentication Lock automatically activates after repeated incorrect attempts on PIN or fingerprint verification. Identity check now covers more system areas, reinforcing protection without disrupting normal usage.
Availability and Supported Devices
The One UI 8.5 beta rolls out first to Galaxy S25 series users in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. Starting December 8, eligible users can join via the Samsung Members app. Early availability varies by region, but the focus remains consistent: practical refinements across the ecosystem. With this update, Samsung continues shaping a more cohesive Galaxy experience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo Assist | Continuous editing, generative AI enhancements, unified edit history |
| Quick Share | Recognizes people in photos and suggests direct sharing |
| Audio Broadcast | Broadcasts voice or media to LE Audio devices using Auracast |
| Storage Share | Cross-device file visibility across phones, tablets, PCs, and TVs |
| Security Upgrades | Theft Protection, Failed Authentication Lock, expanded identity check |
| Availability | Beta for Galaxy S25 series in select regions starting Dec 8, 2025 |
