Samsung announced the start of the public beta program for One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, initially aimed at users of the Galaxy S25 line. The rollout began on December 8, 2025, in countries Coreia, Sul, Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Alemanha, Essa preview release allows you to test updates to Galaxy AI, personalization, and cross-device connectivity, with the goal of refining the software before stable release in 2026.
The program takes place in phases, with the first focusing on these markets to collect feedback from developers and users. The company emphasizes the need for data backup before installation, as betas may contain instabilities.
Eligibility and requirements to participate
To join the beta, your device must be an Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra, excluding Edge and FE models.
Users must reside in one of the six selected countries and have an active Samsung account.
The Wi-Fi connection is recommended for the download, which can reach 3.9 GB in the initial ZYL8 build.
Step by step to download One UI 8.5 beta
Downloading the beta requires the updated Samsung Members app.
Open the app and locate the One UI beta program banner on the home screen or bottom section.
Tap “Join Program” and confirm the terms, including sending feedback via the beta community.
After registration, go to Configurações > Atualização software > Baixar and install to receive update notification.
One UI 8.5 beta online for Galaxy S25 Series in Germanypic.twitter.com/r62lG0otQV
— TechNerd.M (@TechNerdMG)December 8, 2025
What’s New in Galaxy AI and Content Creation
The update introduces improved imaging tools to Galaxy AI, enabling more precise photo edits.
- Expanded image generation with custom prompts for varying styles.
- Photo assistant with automatic suggestions based on facial recognition.
- Integration with Quick Share for quick identification of contacts in photos.
These functions aim to simplify creative editing directly on the device.
Photo Assist receives improvements for object removal and real-time background adjustments.
Improved cross-device connectivity
One UI 8.5 makes it easy to share storage between Samsung smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
Users can access files from an Galaxy Book or Smart TV U8000 directly from the phone, requiring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activated.
Faster access to Smart View allows instant screen mirroring to compatible TVs.
Improved audio and Auracast features
The Audio Broadcast menu in Configurações simplifies controlling audio transmission via Auracast.
- Settings for shared listening in public environments.
- Volume controls and prioritization of connected devices.
- Support multiple receivers without loss of quality.
This functionality benefits users at events or offices, with activation via Bluetooth 5.4.
Audio transmission gains privacy options to limit signal range.
Expanded customization in the interface
Customization options extend to the quick panel, lock screen and widgets.
Icons and themes now support granular color and shape adjustments for greater individualization.
Visual adjustments in One UI 8.5
The interface receives a visual refresh with rounded edges and fluid transition animations.
The notifications panel allows dynamic rearrangement of shortcuts based on daily usage.
These changes prioritize usability on larger screens of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Interactive widgets display previews of apps like Galeria and Calendário in real time.
Security and anti-theft protections
New layers of security include geolocation theft detection and enhanced remote blocking.
The Theft Protection system activates extra biometric authentication in suspicious scenarios.
Monthly updates, like the December 2025 patch, fix known vulnerabilities.
Game Booster and performance optimizations
The Game Booster features a translucent design and performance toggles for intensive gaming.
- Adaptive battery saving mode during long sessions.
- CPU prioritization for titles like Genshin Impact on S25.
- Overlay FPS metrics for real-time monitoring.
These adjustments aim to balance graphics and battery life.
Optimizations in kernel 5.15 improve multitasking stability.
Beta Program Schedule
The first phase covers the initial four countries, expanding to Índia and Polônia on December 22.
The beta 2 build is expected to arrive in early January 2026, incorporating early feedback.
Samsung plans at least three builds before the stable version, scheduled for February.
Participants can exit the program at any time via Samsung Members, reverting to One UI 8.0.
Considerations for beta users
Installations on flagship devices require caution due to possible bugs in camera apps, such as temporary removal of Dual Recording and Single Take modes in the initial build.
Backup via Smart Switch is essential to restore data if necessary.
The in-app beta community allows you to report issues and suggest improvements directly to Samsung.
