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Samsung has kicked off the public beta of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 series, promising a refreshed visual style and deeper AI and connectivity features. The experimental build is rolling out to selected markets first and gives a taste of what Android 16 QPR2-based improvements will look like on Samsung phones.
What’s new in One UI 8.5?
One UI 8.5 packs a mix of cosmetic updates, smarter on-device tools and under-the-hood tweaks. Highlights include:
- Galaxy AI upgrades — improved image-generation and creative tools that enhance on-device AI workflows.
- Tighter cross-device connectivity — easier memory sharing across Samsung devices and faster access to Smart View for screen casting.
- Auracast improvements — audio broadcasting made simpler via a new playback menu in Settings.
- Battery and performance refinements — new energy-management control designs and optimizations for longer runtimes.
- More personalization — expanded controls over Quick Settings, lock screen widgets, icons and layout.
- Security and privacy boosts — extra anti-theft safeguards and updated privacy protections.
- Better accessibility — broader hearing-aid support and fresh accessibility controls.
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Design refresh: subtle but modern
The interface gets a visual polish in 8.5: clearer transparency layers and updated 3D-style icons create a more modern, tactile feel. It’s not an overhaul, but a focused redesign meant to make everyday interactions feel fresher and more cohesive.
How to join the One UI 8.5 beta
Want to try the beta? Samsung is using the Samsung Members app to manage sign-ups. The process is straightforward:
- Install and open the Samsung Members app.
- Sign in with your Samsung account.
- Find the “Beta Program One UI” banner or card on the home screen and tap to register.
- After enrollment, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install to fetch the beta build.
At launch, the public beta is available only for Galaxy S25 devices in South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India and Poland. Samsung typically widens access to additional regions and models as testing progresses.
When will the stable update arrive?
Samsung is expected to ship the stable One UI 8.5 release alongside the Galaxy S26 series, after which the update should trickle down to the S25 lineup and older phones and tablets. If you depend on your device for daily work, remember that betas can be less stable than production releases.
Whether you’re curious about Galaxy AI tools or want the latest connectivity and accessibility features, the One UI 8.5 beta offers an early look at Samsung’s next-step refinements. Interested users should back up their data before enrolling and keep an eye on official Samsung channels for updates.
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