Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Update Now Available for Select Galaxy Devices
Overview of One UI 8.5 Rollout
Samsung has initiated the rollout of the stable One UI 8.5 update, aimed at enhancing various Galaxy devices with features that were initially associated with the Galaxy S26 series. This update is currently being made available to users of the Galaxy S25 series in South Korea, as well as extending to the Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
The One UI 8.5 update includes AI tools, camera enhancements, improved functionalities for Bixby, a refreshed user interface, and added privacy controls. Samsung has stated that the expansion of this rollout will occur gradually across different regions and additional Galaxy devices.
Devices Receiving the Update
In its announcement, Samsung specified that One UI 8.5 is being deployed to a range of devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S25 FE, the entire Galaxy S24 lineup, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Tab S11 series, and Galaxy Tab S10 series. The rollout phase has begun in South Korea, with plans for further geographic expansion.
According to an Android Authority report, the stable version of One UI 8.5 follows a protracted beta testing stage consisting of ten beta updates for the Galaxy S25 series. This stable update is reaching South Korean beta testers as an incremental release, which includes the April 2026 security patch.
Features of One UI 8.5
User Tarun Vats shared evidence of the stable One UI 8.5 update on the social platform X, showing its availability for Galaxy S25 FE beta users in South Korea, identified by the build number S731NKSU6BZDP. Major updates introduced include several AI features originally debuting with the Galaxy S26 series, such as Agentic AI tools, Creative Studio, and enhancements to Audio Eraser.
Also featured are smarter Bixby interactions and Call Screening capabilities via Bixby Text Call. Additionally, users can now benefit from continuous AI image generation, AI-based photo editing using text prompts, and the capability to transfer objects between images through a function named Photo Assist.
User Interface Improvements
Samsung has revamped various elements of the user interface in this update, providing updated blur effects, floating interface components, and improved personalisation options. Among the new features are downloadable wallpapers, weather-activated wallpaper effects, customizable lock screen clocks, and direct suggestions on the lock screen through Now Brief, as highlighted in various reports.
Enhanced Camera and Bixby Features
The One UI 8.5 update introduces real-time Log video LUT previews, dual recording capabilities using both front and rear cameras, automatic motion photo detection, and enhanced document scanning that cleans up inconsistencies such as fingers and folded corners. Bixby itself has seen enhancements in natural voice interactions, more refined device control, conversation history management, and accelerated information access.
Improvements to the Interpreter feature also include automatic language detection during conversations, further enhancing user experience.
Improvements in Health, Battery and Privacy Settings
Owners of eligible devices will gain access to features like direct voicemail support, personalized quick decline messages, and enhanced Quick Share options for Apple users. Other functionalities include Storage Share across Galaxy devices and expanded Auto Hotspot controls for family groups.
The One UI 8.5 update also introduces several improvements related to health, battery, and privacy. Samsung Health now provides better weekly reports, enhanced workout-sharing features, meditation controls via Galaxy Watch devices, and antioxidant measurement capabilities on compatible watches. Additionally, redesigned battery usage interfaces, new privacy alerts, theft protection tools, and further Knox Matrix security monitoring functionalities are part of this update.
New features also encompass partial screen recording, advanced reminder notifications, improved DeX window management, calculator clipboard suggestions, upgraded weather widgets with pollen tracking, Bluetooth hearing aid controls, and expanded accessibility options for compatible older smartphones.
