Samsung Launches One UI 8.5 Beta To Boost Productivity, Privacy & Performance

Samsung has launched the One UI 8.5 beta programme, introducing a range of new tools designed to improve productivity, privacy, and performance across Galaxy devices.

The company said the update aims to deliver a more seamless and connected experience, supported by upgraded photo editing, cross-device functions, and security features.

With the updated Photo Assist, users can now generate and edit images without interruption.

They can review all iterations through the edit history and select the versions they want to keep, a significant convenience improvement for creators.

The One UI 8.5 beta is now available to Galaxy S25 series users in regions such as India, Germany, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US.

Users need to enrol through the Samsung Members app to access the beta.

Samsung is expected to roll out the stable update next year for all eligible devices.

Key Features in One UI 8.5

• Enhanced Photo Editing

The updated Photo Assist tool allows continuous editing without saving each version manually. Users can view the entire history of changes and keep only their preferred edits.

• Improved Quick Share

Samsung has enhanced Quick Share with smarter suggestions. The feature now recognises familiar faces in photos and proactively recommends sending images directly to those contacts.

• Audio Broadcast with Auracast

One UI 8.5 introduces Audio Broadcast, allowing users to communicate effortlessly with nearby LE Audio-supported devices through Auracast.

In addition to media audio, users can broadcast their voice via the phone’s built-in microphone.

• Storage Share Across Devices

Storage Share expands cross-device file access by displaying files from other Samsung devices — including tablets, laptops, and compatible TVs — directly within the My Files app.

Users can also access their phone’s files from other Galaxy products.

Samsung has introduced fresh security layers to offer clearer privacy oversight:

• Theft Protection secures the device and its data if it is lost or stolen.
• Failed Authentication Lock activates after repeated unsuccessful attempts using fingerprints, PINs, or passwords.
• Identity Check now applies to more system settings, reinforcing system verification.

Additional System Updates

According to reports, including one by 9To5Google, One UI 8.5 also brings:

• A fully customisable Quick Panel with rearrangeable toggles and sliders.
• A refreshed system design with subtle 3D-style icons and ‘Liquid Glass’ visual effects.
• New weather-based alarm backgrounds in the Clock app.
• Reorganised battery settings with clearer power usage insights and improved ‘Standard’ and ‘Maximum’ power-saving modes.
• Upgraded accessibility options, including better hearing aid controls and new magnification tools for keyboard and mouse users.
• Additional pointer control settings with separate Dwell and Corner actions.

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