New One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 is Here. What’s Changing?

Image showing Samsung Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 Beta Update

Samsung Rolls Out Sixth One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 Series: What’s New?

Samsung is diligently progressing with its One UI 8.5 development, and has now released another beta version for its flagship Galaxy S25 series. This latest update primarily focuses on crucial bug fixes and system optimizations, rather than introducing new features, aiming to refine the software for its eventual stable public release.

Latest One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 Series

Samsung has made available the sixth beta version of One UI 8.5 for its premium smartphones: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. This particular update is built upon Android 16 QPR2 and has a download size of approximately 568 MB. Beta updates are pre-release software versions that allow users to test new features and improvements before the official launch, helping developers identify and resolve issues.

Key Fixes and Enhancements

This new beta release is predominantly dedicated to addressing various bugs and glitches reported by early testers. Among the significant improvements are:

  • Bixby Labs Wake-Up Phrase: Enhanced functionality for creating personalized wake-up phrases within Bixby Labs, Samsung’s intelligent assistant feature.
  • Image Preview Buttons: Resolution of an issue where duplicate image preview buttons would appear, streamlining the photo viewing experience.
  • Now Bar & Now Brief Readability: Improved clarity and visibility of recommendation cards in both Now Bar and Now Brief. This includes better text rendering, icon presentation, and overall visibility, particularly on the Always On Display (AOD) screen, which provides glanceable information without fully waking the phone.

Stability Improvements and Update Availability

The sixth One UI 8.5 beta also brings a series of classic stability improvements, crucial for a smooth user experience:

  • Settings Crash Fix: A persistent bug causing the settings application to crash when users attempted to change the camera area within the Display section has been eliminated.
  • Lock Screen Style Consistency: Resolved an issue where the lock screen style in basic mode would unexpectedly change after modifications were made in Modes and Routines. Modes and Routines allow users to automate phone settings based on specific activities or conditions.
  • Notification Card Animations: Smoother and more refined animations for notification cards have been implemented, contributing to a more fluid interface.

Currently, this specific beta update is being rolled out to users in India, where it represents the fifth test release of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 series. While the initial rollout is regional, Samsung typically expands beta program availability to other regions over time. Users interested in checking for the update can do so by navigating to their device’s Settings > Software Update > Download and install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is One UI 8.5?

One UI 8.5 is Samsung’s custom Android skin, built on top of Android 16 QPR2 in this beta version. It provides a unique user interface and set of features tailored for Samsung Galaxy devices. Beta versions allow users to test upcoming software before its official release.


Which devices are receiving this beta update?

The sixth One UI 8.5 beta update is currently available for the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra models.


What are the main changes in this beta version?

This update focuses primarily on bug fixes and stability improvements. Key changes include enhanced Bixby Labs wake-up phrases, resolved duplicate image preview buttons, improved readability for Now Bar and Now Brief cards (especially on Always On Display), fixes for settings crashes, consistent lock screen styles, and smoother notification card animations.


How can I check for the update?

To check for the One UI 8.5 beta update on your compatible Galaxy S25 device, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install. Please note that beta availability may be limited to specific regions.

Source: SamMobile
Opening photo: Gemini

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