Samsung Electronics has unveiled the One UI 8.5 beta program, introducing a wave of upgrades designed to make content creation, device management and security more seamless across the Galaxy ecosystem.
Rolling out first to Galaxy S25 series users in select markets from December 8, the beta marks Samsung’s latest push to unify user experiences across phones, tablets, PCs and smart TVs.
A standout update in One UI 8.5 is the rollout of enhanced cross-device connectivity features, reflecting Samsung’s strategy to build a more fluid multi-device environment. The new Audio Broadcast feature, powered by LE Audio and based on Auracast technology, allows users to transmit audio effortlessly to supported nearby devices. Beyond streaming sound from media sources, One UI 8.5 now enables users to broadcast their own voice using the built-in microphone, making it useful for group activities such as guided tours, events, and shared listening sessions.
The ecosystem upgrade continues with Storage Share, which bridges Galaxy devices more tightly than before. Users can view and manage files from other Samsung devices, including tablets, Galaxy Book laptops and even recent Samsung Smart TVs, directly within the My Files app on their phones.
Conversely, Storage Share also allows remote access to a phone’s files via those connected devices, provided they are logged into the same Samsung account and meet minimum software requirements. The feature is intended to eliminate friction in workflows, whether users are transferring media, collaborating across devices or accessing files during travel.
Content creators also benefit from a refreshed experience. The upgraded Photo Assist tool now supports uninterrupted creative workflows, enabling users to generate multiple image edits without saving after each step. Completed edits are neatly stored in a consolidated history, allowing users to revisit and pick their preferred versions with ease.
Meanwhile, Quick Share has been tuned to recognise people in photos and automatically suggest sending images directly to those contacts, speeding up everyday sharing.
Samsung is also boosting device protection. One UI 8.5 introduces Theft Protection, designed to secure data if a device is lost or stolen. An additional safeguard, Failed Authentication Lock, automatically locks the device after repeated unsuccessful attempts to unlock it. More system settings now require identity verification, tightening overall security.
The One UI 8.5 beta is available to Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra users in markets including the U.S., the U.K., Korea, Germany, Poland and India. Galaxy users can apply through the Samsung Members app, ahead of a wider rollout expected next year.
