Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Update: Rollout Date, New Features & More

Rollout Date & Phases: The One UI 8.5 beta is scheduled to begin on December 8, 2025, in first‑phase regions, including the US, UK, South Korea, and Germany. A second phase is expected around December 22, 2025, expanding to markets such as India and Poland. A third beta build may arrive around early January 2026, paving the way toward a wider public rollout. 

UI & Visual Enhancements: One UI 8.5 revamps the overall look and feel: you get a fully customizable Quick Settings panel, rearrangeable toggles, and an understated design inspired by smoother visual themes. Other touches include 3D-style app icons, new lock‑screen clock styles, and a bottom search bar in many Samsung apps for easier one‑handed use. 

Galaxy AI & Smarter Tools: One UI 8.5 pushes deeper integration with Galaxy AI; the update brings improved AI-powered Photo Assist, enabling on‑device image generation, editing, and object removal in a seamless workflow. The built‑in assistant (Bixby) is reportedly smarter, better at handling complex commands, and might run on the same AI frameworks powering Galaxy AI experiences. 

File Sharing, Connectivity & Ecosystem Integration: One UI 8.5 will enhance cross-device features: a new ‘Storage Share’ option allows easy access to files across Samsung phones, tablets, PCs (even TVs). Screen mirroring gets quicker via a home‑screen shortcut; connectivity features like updated Auracast (with Voice Broadcast) will deepen seamless integration for media/audio sharing across supported devices. 

Battery, Power & Performance Tweaks: The update delivers a redesigned battery settings interface that shows remaining usage time, charging status, and 7‑day usage stats for clearer insights into battery health. Power Saving gets an overhaul: users can choose between Standard and Maximum modes, optimizing battery life by disabling non‑essential features when needed. 

Privacy, Security & Accessibility Improvements: One UI 8.5 expands privacy protections: the update includes new theft protection features, such as a ‘Failed authentication lock’ that triggers after multiple incorrect unlock attempts. Users get improved accessibility, for instance, better magnification controls (reactive to keyboard/mouse input), easier Bluetooth hearing aid controls via shortcut, and more refined visual‑aid options. 

Device Support & What’s Eligible: Most devices that supported earlier One UI 8, including flagship Galaxy S and Z (foldable) models, mid‑range A/M/F series devices, and Galaxy Tabs, are likely to receive One UI 8.5. However, rollout order likely prioritizes newer devices (e.g. Galaxy S25, S24, recent foldables), while older models may see the update later, or receive a trimmed‑down feature set depending on hardware capabilities. 

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