Samsung’s next software layer for Galaxy devices, One UI 8.5, has seen its beta changelog surface online. The details come from tipster Tarun Vats on X, shared on December 3, 2025. This leak arrives just before the expected start of the beta program on December 8, targeting the Galaxy S25 series in markets like the US, UK, South Korea, and Germany. The full stable version should roll out with the Galaxy S26 lineup in early 2026.
Users with devices set for Android 16-based One UI 8 can look forward to this update. Early tests via leaked firmware already show many of these tweaks in action. The changelog covers gains in AI tools, voice assistant functions, file sharing, battery tracking, and more. Not every item may hit all models, but most should carry over.
Also read: Samsung Starts One UI 8 Rollout for Galaxy A16, A15, and A24
Galaxy AI Gets a Boost
Photo Assist in Galaxy AI now supports ongoing image creation. Users can produce several versions with AI prompts and skip saving each one right away. At the end, a history view lets people sort through options and choose what fits.
Bixby Handles Commands Better
The voice assistant picks up on loose phrasing for tasks. It spots settings or options even without precise wording. Quick questions get fast replies, no need to flip through apps. Users can pull up past chats from a side menu in the Bixby app.
Connectivity Options Expand
- Storage Share: Pull files from linked Samsung phones, tablets, PCs, or TVs straight in the My Files app.
- Smart View Shortcut: Drop a Home screen icon for one-tap mirroring to nearby screens.
- Auracast Upgrades: Group broadcast and receive settings in one Audio menu spot. Send voice notes via the phone mic to Auracast-ready audio gear.
These changes aim to link devices without hassle.
Battery and Power Tools Refresh
The Battery settings page now displays time left, charge level, and a weekly breakdown at a glance. Power saving mode splits into two levels: a balanced one with user-set caps, or a full cutoff for extras like background sync.
Accessibility Features Step Up
A quick pop-up from the Accessibility menu controls Bluetooth hearing aids. Switch modes or ambient sound on the fly. Magnify views now track mouse pointers or keyboard highlights. Split dwell controls: set actions for steady cursor holds, or corner taps for screen edges.
Clock App Adds Practical Touches
Alarms pull in weather visuals for the ring time. A new slider in the time zone tool shows offsets between locations.
Samsung Health Tracks More
Weekly summaries fold in pill logs and calm sessions. Share workouts with photo mixes for social posts. Kick off guided breathing right from a Galaxy Watch, phone-free. New watches like the Galaxy Watch8 measure antioxidant levels on their own.
Security Layers Tighten
After failed logins, the screen locks down. Identity checks get stronger. Pause Auto Blocker for 30 minutes with an auto-reset option.
Quick Share Stays Safer
Limit incoming files to verified Samsung or Google logins. The app spots faces in shots and hints at shares with known contacts.
Home and Lock Screen Tweaks
Wallpapers with faces or animals auto-fit around clocks and tiles. Clock styles gain thickness sliders for finer looks.
Weather Widget Fills Out
See rain chances plotted over the next hours. Track pollen counts for trees, grass, and weeds.
Other Handy Changes
- Quick panel lets users drag, add, or group toggles freely.
- Reminders ping early, with time set by users.
- Record just part of the screen, not the whole thing.
- Calculator pulls clipboard numbers for fast math.
- DeX mode saves window spots between sessions.
These updates build on what beta testers will try first. Samsung could tweak the list as feedback rolls in.
