Samsung Electronics announced on the 9th that it is launching a beta program for its next-generation mobile operating environment, “One UI 8.5.” This beta has been rolled out sequentially since the 8th in a total of six countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and India, for users of the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. Users can apply directly through the “Samsung Members” application on Galaxy smartphones.

“One UI 8.5” is based on the existing “One UI 8” and focuses on strengthening AI functions and connectivity between devices. Samsung stated that through this it intends to make the Galaxy user experience (UX) more natural and intuitive. In this beta program, the company plans to collect and analyze feedback from real users and enhance the completeness of the software before the official version is released in the first half of next year.

The most notable changes in this version are the significant expansion of content creation and sharing, as well as security functions. Samsung is concentrating on evolving the smartphone from a simple photo and video capturing tool into an AI-assisted intelligent editing and management platform.

The AI-based image editing tool “Photo Assist” has simplified the user’s editing process. Previously, tasks such as photo correction or background removal had to be saved step by step, but in One UI 8.5, multiple editing tools can be applied consecutively. For example, after using the “Generative Edit” function to change the background, users can immediately continue to adjust lighting and tone in “Portrait Studio.”

The edit history management function has also been improved. Users can select and apply or remove only specific points in the AI editing process, allowing fine-tuned control, such as keeping only the desired effects or reverting them. This is particularly useful for users who frequently create content.

The content sharing feature “Quick Share” has also become smarter. AI links the smartphone’s photo gallery with contact information so that when a user selects a portrait photo, it automatically recommends the corresponding person’s contact. Users can send images directly to the person in the photo without conducting a separate search. Samsung explained that this strengthens personalized sharing experiences and simplifies users’ everyday digital communication patterns.

This update also puts emphasis on reinforcing connectivity between devices within the Galaxy ecosystem. The newly added “Audio Broadcast” feature enables the smartphone’s microphone audio to be output simultaneously to multiple Bluetooth LE audio devices. At events or group meetings, a single phone can transmit voice to multiple earphones or speakers.

In addition, through the “Storage Share” function, files, images and videos stored on nearby tablets or PCs can be accessed directly from a Galaxy phone. Without a separate transfer process, users can access content across devices in real time via the “My Files” app. This is regarded as a feature that implements an integrated storage environment without the need for cloud services.

The security domain also includes an enhanced “Theft Protection” function. This version newly introduces the “Failed Authentication Lock” feature.

This function automatically locks the screen if fingerprint, PIN or password authentication is repeatedly entered incorrectly, even when the lock screen has been released. When a user loses a device or it is stolen, it blocks in real time any unauthorized attempts by others to unlock the device or access the Secure Folder.

The official version of “One UI 8.5” is scheduled to be pre-installed first on new Galaxy S series products to be released in the first half of next year. It will then be rolled out sequentially to existing Galaxy devices.

A Samsung Electronics official said, “Feedback from actual users will be quickly reflected through this beta program. We will present a next-generation Galaxy environment that combines AI-centered user experiences with enhanced security.”

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