Samsung Electronics will launch the beta program for One UI 8.5, its next-generation mobile operating environment, starting on the 8th. This version builds on the existing One UI 8 by significantly enhancing AI capabilities and device connectivity. The beta program will be launched sequentially for Galaxy S25 series users in six countries: Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and India. Users who wish to participate can apply through the Samsung Members app on their Galaxy phones. Samsung Electronics plans to refine the official version based on user feedback collected during the beta period.
One UI 8.5 is notable for its significant improvements to content creation and sharing. Photo Assist, an AI-powered image editing feature, has been further enhanced to enable seamless use of the generative editing and portrait studio features. Users no longer need to repeatedly save each step of the editing process, streamlining the workflow. Furthermore, the image editing history management feature has been expanded, allowing users to view their editing progress at a glance and selectively apply or remove only the necessary steps. This shifts the focus from simple undo to more detailed adjustments.
Connectivity across the Galaxy ecosystem has also been enhanced to become more intuitive and personalized. The newly added audio broadcasting feature directly broadcasts your voice spoken through the phone's microphone to nearby LE Audio devices. LE Audio uses low-power Bluetooth to connect multiple devices simultaneously, offering a variety of applications. The storage sharing feature is also noteworthy. Files stored on other Galaxy tablets or PCs can be accessed directly from the phone's My Files app, making switching between devices seamless.
Security features have also been strengthened. One UI 8.5 introduces a new authentication failure lock feature to enhance protection against stolen devices. Even if your device is lost while the screen is on, you can configure it to automatically activate the lock screen after multiple failed fingerprint or PIN authentication attempts. Even if the lock screen is already unlocked, repeated authentication errors when accessing Secure Folder or changing the lock password will immediately lock the device.
Samsung Electronics plans to make One UI 8.5 preinstalled on the Galaxy S series, which will be released in the first half of next year. It also plans to sequentially provide updates to existing devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
