Samsung One UI 8.5 Update Coming for These Galaxy Devices

Samsung launched the One UI 8.5 beta program on December 8, 2025, initially for Galaxy S25 series devices in Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The software update, based on Android 16, introduces features such as an updated Photo Assist tool that lets users generate and edit images continuously without saving each version, with options to review and select favorites from edit history.

A new Storage Share function displays files from other Galaxy devices, including tablets and personal computers, directly in the My Files app.

Audio Broadcast allows Galaxy phones to send voice or media audio to nearby LE Audio-supported devices via Auracast technology.

Security additions include Theft Protection to secure devices and data if lost or stolen, Failed Authentication Lock that activates after multiple failed identity verification attempts, and expanded Identity Check safeguards.

The update also brings visual changes, including a customizable Quick Panel where users can move, delete or adjust toggles and sliders, plus 3D effects on app icons and frosted glass elements in the interface.

"Samsung Electronics today announced the One UI 8.5 beta program, introducing new and easier ways to create, connect and stay safe," the company stated in its release.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 will debut with the Galaxy S26 series at an event scheduled for February 26, 2026, in the United States.

Rollouts to other eligible devices will follow, starting with models like the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, potentially in March or April 2026.

Eligible devices encompass those qualified for One UI 8.0, including the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 FE and S25 Edge; Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra and S24 FE; Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra and S23 FE; Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra; and Galaxy S21 FE in the S series.

The Z series covers Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold Special Edition, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4.

In the A series, updates apply to models such as Galaxy A73, A56, A55, A54, A53, A36, A35, A34, A33, A26, A25, A24, A17, A16, A15, A07 and A06.

Tab series devices include Galaxy Tab S10+, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Lite, Tab S10 FE, Tab S10 FE+, Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 FE, Tab S9 FE+, Tab S8, Tab S8+, Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S6 Lite (2024), Tab A11, Tab A11+, Tab A9 and Tab A9+.

M series models qualified are Galaxy M56, M55s, M55, M54, M53, M36, M34, M33, M17, M16, M15, M07 and M06.

F series includes Galaxy F56, F55, F54, F36, F34, F17, F16, F15, F07 and F06. XCover series covers Galaxy XCover 7, XCover 7 Pro and XCover 6 Pro.

Here's a glimpse of what One UI 8.5 brings to your smartphone:

Credit: Samsung

Beta testing expanded to additional devices beyond the S25 series in recent weeks, with builds showing no major bugs as of January 13, 2026.

"In its announcement post, Samsung highlights the updated Photo Assist feature, which allows users to continuously generate new images without needing to save each iteration, as they can select their favorites later on," Android Authority reported.