One UI 8.5 Beta: This is the big update for Samsung Galaxy devices

The new One UI 8.5 Beta is now official And it marks the next step in the evolution of Samsung's software for its Galaxy phones. Although it still runs on Android 16 and doesn't represent an operating system version upgrade, the package of changes is so extensive that, in day-to-day use, it feels almost like a major interface overhaul.

The company has focused this update on three key areas: Smoother content creation, better integration between Galaxy devices, and new security toolsAll of this is coming first to the high-end range, with the Galaxy S25 family as the entry point, while the rest of the compatible models will receive the stable version over the next few months.

One UI 8.5 Beta availability and countries where it can be tested

Samsung has started the program One UI 8.5 Beta on the Galaxy S25 seriesThat is, in the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. For now, it's a public but limited testing phase, both in terms of models and markets, following the same strategy as in previous generations.

The beta is accessible from the December 8 and only for registered users in Samsung MembersTo sign up, simply open the app, locate the program banner, and confirm your participation so that your device can download the update via OTA when it becomes available.

As it's usual, Spain and most of Europe are excluded from this initial phaseThe markets chosen by Samsung for this first round are Germany, South Korea, India, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In these countries, any owner of a Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra can request access to the beta program, provided they meet the program requirements.

The brand plans to release several preliminary builds of One UI 8.5 Beta before releasing the final version. Sources indicate that at least two or three test versions until a stable firmware is reached, which should coincide with the launch of the Galaxy S26 in early 2026, and, after installing tests, it may be necessary clear system cache to solve specific problems.

An update based on Android 16, but with many new visual features

Although One UI 8.5 relies on Android 16 And since it's not making the jump to Android 17, the change isn't limited to minor fixes. Samsung has taken advantage of this version to give a facelift to a good part of the interface and its own applications, refining animations, icons, and system menus.

One of the most striking changes is found in the quick settings menuThe new version offers much deeper customization: it's now possible to rearrange shortcuts, change button sizes, adjust slider positions, and add more options to the panel. The goal is for each user to create a panel tailored to their daily use, with the shortcuts they actually need readily available.

The Samsung's native apps also receive a redesignThe icons take on a more three-dimensional appearance, with a greater sense of relief on the screen, while apps such as Phone, Clock or the tool to customize the lock screen incorporate a floating bar of buttons at the bottom, compacting the interface and bringing the controls closer to the most accessible area of ​​the screen.

Other tools, such as My Files or the Voice Recorder, are launching significantly more sophisticated interfacesIn the recorder, for example, each file is displayed in separate blocks with colors and visual elements that make it easy to identify each recording. Small details are also included, such as New weather-related animations on the lock screenwhich add a more dynamic touch without altering the overall functioning of the system.

Content creation: Photo Assistant and Photo Assist take a leap forward

One of the areas where Samsung has focused most with One UI 8.5 Beta is the photo creation and editingThe Photo Assistant update—also called Photo Assist in some communications—is based on Galaxy A.I. to allow a continuous workflow, without having to save each change as if it were a new photo.

With this new version, the user can apply successive edits to the same image (removal of elements, style changes, composition adjustments, etc.) and, upon completion, review a complete history of modifications. From this list, it is possible to recover intermediate versions or keep only the ones that interest you most, without flooding the gallery with duplicates.

In order to function, these advanced generative editing capabilities need Data connection and logged into the Samsung accountAI processing may involve changing the size of the photograph, and images generated or modified with these functions also include a visible watermark indicating that they have been processed with artificial intelligence.

Samsung's idea is to simplify the creative process for those who work with many images, whether for professional reasons or because they publish content on social media. Continuous editing reduces intermediate steps and it allows adjustments that previously required several applications to be resolved without leaving the Galaxy Gallery environment itself.

It is also mentioned in some promotional materials a more seamless integration with services like Spotify While editing content, playback can be controlled without switching applications, although these additions may vary depending on the region and interface version.

Smarter Quick Share: Automatic suggestions and fewer steps to share

Another pillar of One UI 8.5 Beta is Quick Share, Samsung's file sharing toolThe new version introduces AI-powered features that recognize people in photos and directly suggest sending those images to [unclear - possibly "other people" or "other people"]. send to contacts associates.

Thus, after taking a group photo, the system is able to suggest sending the image to the friends or family members it detects in itwithout having to manually search for them in the address book. This improvement is designed for those who share many photos daily and want to minimize the steps involved.

Quick Share still requires that the devices involved have One UI 2.1 or higher, Android Q or later, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi connectivityTransfer speed depends on the model, network, and environment, so actual performance may vary. In any case, Samsung remains committed to this solution as the core of fast file sharing within the Galaxy ecosystem.

In practice, the improvements to Quick Share go in the same direction as the rest of the update: less friction and more proactive featuresInstead of simply displaying a menu of available contacts and devices, the app attempts to anticipate who might be interested in receiving that content.

Device connectivity: Audio streaming and storage sharing

In terms of connectivity, One UI 8.5 reinforces the idea that the Galaxy ecosystem should function as a single environment. To achieve this, new tools are introduced, such as Audio streaming (also called Audio Broadcast in some versions) and Share storage or Storage Share.

The Audio Streaming function allows Send audio from your mobile device to nearby devices compatible with LE Audio and Auracast.Not only can it handle multimedia content, but it can also utilize the phone's built-in microphone. This transforms the Galaxy into a kind of portable microphone that can be especially useful for guided tours, business meetings, classes, or events where the same message needs to reach multiple people simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Share Storage option takes screen integration a step further. This is possible from the My Files app. View content stored on other Galaxy devices (tablets, computers or compatible Samsung TVs) linked to the same account. Thus, a document saved on the mobile phone can be opened from the PC or television without needing to physically move it.

For this function to operate correctly, all the equipment involved must be connected to the same Samsung account and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabledFor phones and tablets, One UI 7 or higher and a kernel version equal to or later than 5.15 are required, while for PCs, Galaxy Book2 (Intel) or Galaxy Book4 (Arm) models are needed, and for televisions, ranges such as the Samsung U8000 or higher released after 2025.

These technical conditions mean that, in Europe, The full Storage Sharing experience is geared more towards users who are already deeply involved in the Galaxy ecosystem. and they own several recent devices. In any case, the idea is clear: to reduce the barriers between mobile phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, and prevent the TV from sharing dataso that files are accessible from any screen without constantly resorting to the cloud or external storage.

Security and privacy: new layers against theft and unauthorized access

Security is another area where Samsung has placed special emphasis with One UI NEVER BetaThe update includes a suite of features designed to protect both hardware and personal data, with particular attention to scenarios involving theft or loss of the device.

Among the new features, the following stand out: Theft protectionA suite of tools designed to keep your phone and its data safe even if the device falls into the wrong hands. This protection relies, among other things, on a stricter identity verification system for certain sensitive actions within the settings.

Added to this is the Block due to failed authenticationThis feature comes into play when too many incorrect login attempts are detected using a fingerprint, PIN, or password. In that case, the screen locks automatically, preventing any further forced attempts to access apps or device settings.

In some scenarios, such as access to banking applications or particularly sensitive servicesThis lock acts as a kind of second line of defense: if someone tries to take advantage of an unlocked phone to enter a protected app and fails several times, the system forces the general lock of the device.

The number of system parameters has also been expanded. They require identity verification before making changesIn this way, actions that previously could be performed with fewer controls now require additional confirmation, which helps to prevent unwanted changes to security and privacy settings.

Compatible models planned and situation in Spain and Europe

Although Samsung has not yet published a Official final list of devices that will receive One UI 8.5Current support policies provide a fairly clear picture of the situation. The update should reach, at a minimum, all models currently running One UI 8.0 and still within the brand's support period.

Among the devices that are emerging as candidates are the Galaxy S25, S24 and S23 series, in addition to several recent generations of foldable phones such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, as well as FE models and a good part of the most current mid-range A.

In this last segment, some leaks point directly to very popular terminals in Europe, such as the Galaxy A56 5GInternal builds of One UI 8.5 have been detected on Samsung's servers for this model, with specific version numbers indicating that the company is already testing the firmware, although this does not guarantee that it will participate in the public beta phase.

Experience from previous years suggests that The beta version is initially reserved for top-of-the-range models. And, in a second phase, it could expand to foldable phones and some best-selling mid-range models. Even so, everything points to the stable version of One UI 8.5 eventually arriving on a good portion of the phones that already have One UI 8, especially within the European market.

For users in Spain and other European Union countries, the situation remains similar to that of previous generations: There is no official access to the beta in this first waveHowever, the final update is expected once Samsung concludes testing in the selected markets. Typically, models that participated in the testing program are the first to receive a stable update, followed by the rest in phases.

One UI 8.5 Beta is presented as an update focused on refining the daily experience rather than introducing radical underlying changes: It improves photo editing with the help of AI, makes sharing content faster, better connects different Galaxy devices, and strengthens defenses against theft and unauthorized access.For those using a recent Samsung phone in Europe, the key now is to wait for the stable rollout and see how well these new features fit with how they use the phone.

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Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.