Samsung launched its One UI 8.5 beta program on December 8, 2025, marking the company's return to x.5 version numbering after years of x.1.1 updates. The beta initially targets Galaxy S25 series users in six countries: Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US.
One UI 8.5 will debut officially with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, according to Samsung's December confirmation. Older devices will receive the update approximately two to three months later, potentially starting in May 2026. The software is based on Android 16 and represents a mid-cycle refresh between major One UI versions.
The update introduces fully customizable Quick Settings panels, allowing users to rearrange, add, or remove any widget, toggle, or card. Samsung has redesigned first-party apps with subtle 3D effects on icons and interface elements, drawing visual inspiration from Apple's Liquid Glass design language that launched with iOS 26 in September.
Storage Share enables Galaxy ecosystem integration by allowing phones to access files from other Samsung devices directly through the My Files app. Users can also access their phone's files from Samsung tablets, PCs, and even TVs. Quick Share enhancements include facial recognition that suggests recipients based on people identified in photos.
Photo Assist gains continuous AI image generation without requiring users to save each iteration. Users can review all creations through edit history and select favorites to keep. The feature builds on Samsung's existing Galaxy AI capabilities introduced with One UI 8 earlier this year.
Audio Broadcast expands Auracast functionality to include voice transmission using a phone's built-in microphone, enabling group communication for tours or events. The feature unifies broadcast and listening options within a single Audio Broadcast menu in Settings.
Security improvements include Theft Protection with Failed Authentication Lock, which automatically locks screens after multiple failed fingerprint, PIN, pattern, or password attempts. Identity verification now protects more settings than previous versions, and Auto Blocker can be set to automatically re-enable 30 minutes after temporary deactivation.
Lock screens gain automatic layout optimization when using photos of people or pets as wallpaper, preventing clock and widgets from covering important image elements. Clock fonts receive enhanced customization options, including adjustable thickness for more font styles.
Weather widgets now display precipitation probability graphs for upcoming hours, while new pollen index information helps users manage allergies. Clock app alarms can show current weather conditions as backgrounds when ringing, and time zone conversion features intuitive slider controls for comparing multiple cities.
Samsung Health expands weekly reports to include medication tracker and mindfulness session data. Galaxy Watch users can start meditations directly from their wrist without phone interaction, and antioxidant measurements work independently on Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra models.
Accessibility improvements include direct Bluetooth hearing aid controls through Accessibility shortcuts and enhanced magnification that follows cursor or keyboard input. The "Automatic Action After Pointer Stops" feature splits into separate Dwell Action and Corner Actions options for more precise control.
Other enhancements include partial screen recording for specific screen areas, calculator clipboard suggestions for numbers and formulas, and DeX window size/position memory. Quick Settings panel editing becomes more flexible with complete item rearrangement capabilities.
The beta program faces technical issues for some users, with reports of "Processing join request" messages persisting in the Samsung Members app. Samsung has expanded internal testing to numerous devices beyond the initial S25 series, including upcoming S26 models, Z Fold/Flip 7 series, and various A-series phones.
Eligible devices for the stable release will mirror One UI 8 compatibility, covering flagship Galaxy phones since 2022 and numerous mid-range and budget models since 2023. For some older devices, One UI 8.5 will represent their final feature update before reaching end-of-support.
Samsung's return to x.5 version numbering suggests a shift in update strategy, potentially making this the standard approach for future mid-cycle releases. The company has internally tested One UI 8.5 on over 50 device models, indicating broad compatibility across its product ecosystem.
The update represents Samsung's continued focus on ecosystem integration, with Storage Share and enhanced Quick Share functionality strengthening connections between Galaxy devices. Visual refinements and expanded customization options address user requests for greater personalization control.
Security enhancements align with industry trends toward stronger device protection, particularly for lost or stolen scenarios. AI capabilities continue evolving through Photo Assist improvements, though Samsung hasn't confirmed whether Bixby will receive Perplexity AI integration as some reports suggest.
One UI 8.5's beta-to-stable timeline follows Samsung's established pattern, with comprehensive testing across multiple device categories before broader rollout. The company's commitment to updating devices launched as early as 2022 demonstrates extended software support compared to previous years.
Market availability will expand gradually throughout 2026, with timing varying by region and carrier. Samsung typically prioritizes flagship devices before mid-range and budget models, though internal testing suggests accelerated rollout plans for this update.
