Samsung has started rolling out the beta version of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 lineup in select regions, including Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Coreia, Sul and Alemanha. The update, based on Android 16 QPR2, focuses on customization and usability improvements, with emphasis on the quick settings panel. The launch took place this Monday, December 8, 2025, aiming to collect user feedback before the stable version in 2026.
The main change meets demands for greater flexibility in accessing essential controls. Usuários now adjust elements such as brightness and volume sliders independently. Essa approach resolves limitations of previous versions, where controls were integrated.
- Main new features in the panel: separation of sliders, resizing and vertical orientation.
- Expansion to toggle widgets categorized outside of standard panels.
- Integration with battery and performance optimizations.
Customization Features in Quick Settings
The Samsung allowed for the separation of the brightness and volume sliders, which previously operated as a single combined element. Usuários rearrange these controls freely, adjusting sizes between 1×1 and 1×4. Essa functionality makes it easier to use with one hand on larger screens, like the 6.8-inch on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles also gain independence, allowing removal or repositioning. The company has categorized options into logical sections, similar to competing interfaces, to speed up daily access.
Expansion for widgets and toggles
Toggle widgets now occupy spaces outside of traditional collapsible panels. Usuários add things like smart device controls directly to the Quick Settings main screen. Essa change reduces extra clicks in common routines.
The update supports varying sizes for toggles, from 1×1 to 1×2, promoting custom layouts. Samsung has been testing these options in internal builds for weeks, incorporating suggestions from early beta testers.
Reports from users on the Estados Unidos indicate downloads of around 1.3 GB for the standard Galaxy S25. Stability has improved over previous betas, with fixes for window overlays.
Interface and AI optimizations
One UI 8.5 introduces icons with 3D effect and transparencies in system apps, updating the overall look. Photo Assist achieves seamless edits without intermediate saves, using AI to remove objects or reshape images.
Bixby receives updates for complex commands, accessing conversation history via the side panel. Quick Share identifies faces in photos for automatic sharing suggestions.
- Improvements to Clock: time zone converter with intuitive slider.
- Samsung Health: Expanded weekly reports and customizable sharing.
- Weather widget: Precipitation graphs for detailed forecasts.
These additions integrate the Galaxy ecosystem, extending benefits to tablets and TVs.
Beta availability and eligibility
The beta program is initially limited to the Galaxy S25 series, with registrations via the Samsung Members app. Países as well as Índia and Polônia are expected to receive the second phase in the coming weeks.
Firmware like S93xU1UEU7ZYL8 marks the US version, with security patches from December. Samsung plans to expand to older models like S24 after the S26 launches in January 2026.
Users report smooth installation, but recommend backing up data before upgrading. The company emphasizes that the beta serves to refine features based on real feedback.
Improved connectivity integrations
Auracast support improves audio streams for compatible LE Audio devices. Usuários configure broadcasts in multi-device environments without interruptions.
DeX now maintains window sizes and positions when reopening apps, facilitating desktop workflows. Calculator suggests numbers copied from the clipboard for quick insertion.
These tools target productivity in professional and casual scenarios.
Impact on daily usability
Initial tests show reduced time to access settings, with vertical layouts ideal for thumb-friendly navigation. Full customization eliminates constraints from One UI 7 and 8, where fixed toggles created frustration.
Samsung has incorporated options to remove icons like Smart View, responding to requests for simplification. The dashboard now supports partial screen recording, useful for quick tutorials.
The battery gets a redesigned page with detailed metrics, optimizing consumption during prolonged use.
What’s new in native apps
The Clock app adds simultaneous time zone comparisons, with a slider for time differences between cities. Usuários check global times without third-party apps.
Samsung Health expands weekly reporting with activity and sleep metrics, enabling custom export. The Weather includes visual alerts for weather variations.
These updates keep the focus on actionable data for healthy routines.
Future-proofing the One UI
The One UI 8.5 beta signals the direction towards more intuitive interfaces, with transparencies and 3D icons as standard. Samsung plans deeper integrations with Galaxy AI in subsequent updates.
Users outside of the initial regions await expansion while the company collects data for fixes. The stable version should arrive with the S26, expanding compatibility.
The Storage Share allows unified access to files on Galaxy phones, tablets and PCs, simplifying management.