Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Program: What to Expect

Samsung is gearing up for the next major update to its One UI skin, and the beta program is on the horizon. While the company continues rolling out One UI 8 across its devices, development of One UI 8.5 is well underway, currently undergoing internal testing for the Galaxy S25 series.

One UI 8.5 Beta Release Date: December 8th?

Rumors suggest the One UI 8.5 beta program could launch as early as December 8th. Samsung typically releases these programs in phases.

• Phase 1: Expected to reach South Korea, the USA, the UK, and Germany initially.

• Phase 2: Reportedly beginning on December 22nd, including countries like India and Poland.

According to reports, Samsung plans two beta builds in December and one for January. These dates are subject to change.

Supported Devices & Testing

The beta testing is currently live for the Galaxy S25 series, and Samsung is also testing One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The program is expected to reach multiple Galaxy devices in the coming days. The timing for foldable device support (Galaxy Z Fold 7 / Flip 7) remains unclear, potentially arriving in December or January.

What's New in One UI 8.5?

One UI 8.5 promises a range of enhancements and new features:

• Visual Refinements: Expect subtle but impactful visual updates.

• AI-Powered Features: New AI capabilities are on the way, further integrating intelligence into your Galaxy experience.

• Quick Settings Panel Improvements: A streamlined and more intuitive Quick Settings panel is planned.

• Phone App (Dialer) Enhancements: Improvements to the Phone app for a better calling experience.

• New App Icons: A refreshed look with new app icons across the system.

• Weather App Enhancements: Improved weather information and presentation.

• Performance Optimizations: Overall performance improvements are expected, continuing Samsung's dedication to a smooth user experience.

One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 for Galaxy phones and tablets.

Joining the Beta Program

If you own an eligible Galaxy S25 series device or a Galaxy Z Fold 7, you can prepare your phone for the upcoming software upgrade.

Before joining: Make sure to back up important data!

Interested users in supported regions can join the One UI 8 beta program through the Samsung Members app once it's available. After enrollment, the beta update will be ready for download.