Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta Is Now Officially Available.
If you’re bored with your Galaxy, a change is in store. On Monday, December 8, Samsung announced One UI 8.5, the latest update for Galaxy devices. This update is currently only available in beta testing, but some Galaxy users can try it out right now. Here’s what’s new, according to Samsung.
Proactive fast exchange
In One UI 8.5, Quick Share automatically recognizes people in photos. It sounds a bit scary, but the idea is to pre-suggest sharing suggestions for people featured in a given photo. Let’s say you tapped the Quick Share button on a family photo you took over the weekend. Instead of manually entering all the contacts you want to share the image with, the feature recognizes each one and automatically suggests sending the image to them. This should speed up sharing photos with groups of people after taking them, but again, it’s a bit unsettling.
Photo Assist Updates
The Photo Assist feature in the Gallery app has received a number of improvements in One UI 8.5. In this version, Photo Assist now supports “continuous editing.” This means you can apply AI-powered edits without having to save them between each edit. Previously, each edit created a completely new image, making this feature more like a traditional photo editor. You can also view all your AI-powered images in your editing history and choose your favorites.
Note: Samsung states that the “Create Edit” feature in Photo Assist requires an internet connection and signing in to a Samsung account. This feature also adds a watermark to the image so others know it was processed or created using AI.
Audio broadcast
One UI 8.5 now supports Auracast audio streaming to other devices, following Google’s expanded support for the standard in September . If you have devices that support LE Audio, such as headphones or speakers, you can use Audio Broadcast to stream media content from your Galaxy. This isn’t limited to music, podcasts, and video audio: Samsung also says you can stream audio from your Galaxy’s microphone to LE Audio devices.
This feature is limited to Galaxy S25 devices, even after One UI 8.5 is released on other Galaxy phones.
Storage share
If you have multiple Samsung Galaxy devices, you might find Storage Share useful. This One UI 8.5 feature lets you manage files on other devices, including tablets, PCs, and even TVs, through the My Files app on your smartphone.
Enhanced security measures
Samsung is also expanding One UI’s security features in this latest beta. The company is rolling out updates to the Anti-Theft feature in One UI 8.5. This feature allows you to lock your device if it’s lost or stolen. This prevents anyone who picks it up from accessing your data, wiping your device, and setting it up as their own. In the same vein, Samsung is also launching Failed Authentication Lock, which locks the display after too many failed authentication attempts. If a thief tries too many PIN combinations or the fingerprint scanner fails too many times, the screen will lock.
How to try the beta on your Galaxy
While you can sign up for the beta program today, please be aware of the risks first. Like any beta software, this version of One UI is currently in testing, meaning there may be bugs and glitches that could hinder your smartphone experience. If you understand these risks (and back up all important information beforehand), here’s what you need to know.
Firstly, this beta is only available to Galaxy S25 owners in the US, Germany, India, Korea, Poland, and the UK. If you have an S24 or older model, you’ll have to wait for Samsung’s wider rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta or its full release in the future.
Next, you’ll need to apply for beta testing through the Samsung Members app . If you don’t have the app yet, download it from the Play Store and follow the beta registration instructions.