After completing the One UI 8.0 rollout to Galaxy devices, Samsung is now working on One UI 8.5, its next version. Even though it is based on Android 16, this one is more than just a minor upgrade.
The beta program is already live, showcasing numerous improvements and some new features.
One UI 8.5’s beta availability is not restricted to Galaxy Z smartphones, unlike One UI x.1 updates. That means the update will reach a wider audience. The One UI 8.5 beta program’s eligible devices, supported regions, installation procedures, and new features are all covered in this article.
One UI 8.5 beta update: List of eligible devices
The beta program supports these Galaxy devices:
- Galaxy S25
- Galaxy S25+
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
The list is quite short at the moment, as the One UI 8.5 beta program has just kicked off. In the coming days and weeks, we expect the list to grow.
Additionally, the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy S25 Edge are not included in the list. They will unlikely receive the beta update as Samsung restricts the beta program to the original three Galaxy S-series models.
One UI 8.5 beta update: List of supported regions
Samsung has confirmed that the One UI 8.5 beta program will be available in select regions. These include:
- Germany
- India
- Korea
- Poland
- The UK
- The US
You can join the beta program and receive early access to the most recent enhancements and features if you own a Samsung device that qualifies and live in one of these beta-supported regions.
How to sign up for One UI 8.5 beta and install the update
To receive the beta update, you must first sign up for the beta program. The steps are simple as follows:
- Open the Samsung Members app. If you don’t have it on your Galaxy device, get it from the Google Play Store.
- Make sure you’re signed in to the app with your Samsung account.
- Open the Samsung Members app and tap the One UI 8.5 beta program banner.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your beta registration.
Once you’re enrolled in the beta program, follow these steps to download and install the beta update.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
- Go to Software update and tap Download and install.
- Download the update.
- Tap Install now to begin installation.
The installation can take a few minutes. One UI 8.5, which includes the most recent enhancements and features, ought to automatically start up on the device.
Note that the battery consumption may be higher in the initial few days as the device undergoes heavy background optimizations. You may need to charge your device more frequently during that period.
Here are the major upgrades in One UI 8.5
The beta update introduces a host of useful upgrades across the system. The Quick Panel has received significant improvements, now allowing users to change the layout, size, and even remove nearly everything.
With far fewer restrictions, each toggle can now be added, removed, rearranged, or freely rearranged. Instead of using a single control that controls both brightness and volume, you can divide them into their own sliders.
An automatic layout for people and pet wallpapers is added to the lock screen. The lock screen’s clock and widgets are also automatically adjusted to complement the background image.
The first beta also improves Galaxy AI. Now that Photo Assist supports continuous AI editing and image generation, saving each step is no longer necessary. So, you can keep working without interruption. In addition, system apps like Gallery and Notes get better AI processing for images, text, and voice input.
One UI 8.5 allows you to browse and access files from other Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs, and select Samsung TVs directly in My Files. The Quick Share feature now allows you to enable file transfer only from devices logged in with your Samsung or Google accounts.
Samsung has also improved theft protection tools that automatically lock the device after repeated failed unlock attempts. An identity verification feature now protects more sensitive settings, enhancing security even further.
One UI 8.5 beta also brings improvements to the battery usage information page, power saving mode, accessibility features, reminders, screen recording, and more.
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