Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Unveiled: Android 16 Updates for Galaxy S25

Samsung has started the beta testing process for its One UI 8.5 software, which is based on the Android 16 OS and provides a number of interface enhancements, productivity tools, and privacy and accessibility features that are not only improved but also expanded. This version of One UI follows the previous version, which was One UI 8.0, that had very few design changes and thus led Samsung to incorporate further customization in the current version.

The beta version is currently limited to a few selected devices but a wider rollout is predicted for the beginning of 2026, which will most likely be simultaneous with the unveiling of the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung plans to eliminate bugs, improve performance and test user experience through the beta stage before the update is rolled out to all users.

One UI 8.5 gives a new look and feel to the stock apps going with a new interface style that is based on floating and compact tab bars as well as pill-shaped navigation controls. Following this, apps like Calculator, Calendar, Clock, Device Care, and Samsung Health have all been given new layouts for easier use.

The Quick Panel can be personalized like never before. Users have the freedom to take out or change the location of toggles, modify their sizes, and move them around according to their liking. Moreover, the lock screen has been made more customizable not only with more clock font choices but also with a smart layout that ensures the clock widget won't cover the important parts of the wallpaper.

Moreover, productivity features have been made more powerful. DeX can now remember the last position of apps which results in being able to resume the task faster. Storage Share offers hassle-free transfer of files, and the Clock app comes with a time zone converter as an auxiliary feature. Apart from this, there are other features such as recording a part of the screen, changing the color of alarm background depending on the weather, getting early reminders alerts, and using Bluetooth Auracast for audio streaming. Quick Share has now started suggesting people to share pictures with, and Galaxy AI has provided continuous image editing with undo and redo options.

Eligible users with Galaxy devices can sign up for the beta test through the Samsung Members app. The whole thing is done by:

1. Getting the Samsung Members app from either the Play Store or the Galaxy Store.
2. Logging in using the Samsung Account that is connected to the device.
3. Choosing the One UI beta program banner and registering the device for it.
4. Waiting for the beta to become available, then downloading and installing it through Settings > Software Update.

Samsung has advised to create a backup of all personal data before proceeding with the installation because beta software might have bugs or instability issues and reverting back to the stable One UI 8 could result in a complete data loss.

The initial beta version is available only for the Galaxy S25 series, with the exception of the S25 Edge and S25 FE models. Devices from Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK, and the USA can participate in the program. Samsung is likely to release the beta for more devices in the next few months.

The public release of One UI 8.5 is planned for early 2026 after the completion of beta testing. The update will focus on improving user experience, increasing app functionality, and providing more customization options compared to earlier versions.