If you are rocking a Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra, you might want to check your Samsung Members app. Samsung just announced that the One UI 8.5 beta is rolling out starting today, December 8, 2025. The update is hitting select markets first, including the U.S., UK, Germany, India, Korea, and Poland.
According to the official announcement, this update is heavily focused on productivity and connecting the "Galaxy ecosystem," which is marketing speak for making sure your phone talks to your tablet and TV better than it used to.
What is new in One UI 8.5
Storage Share: This is the big ecosystem play. It lets you view files from your phone directly on other Samsung devices like your tablet, PC, or even your TV, provided they are logged into the same account.
Image credit — Samsung
Audio Broadcast: Leveraging Auracast, you can now use your phone’s microphone to broadcast your voice to nearby Bluetooth LE Audio devices. Think of it as using your phone as a PA system for a tour group.
Image credit — Samsung
Photo Assist & Quick Share: You can now edit photos continuously without saving every single draft, which is a massive time saver. Plus, Quick Share is getting smarter; it will recognize faces in your photos and suggest sending the files to those specific contacts.
Image credit — Samsung
Theft Protection: A new "Failed Authentication Lock" will secure the device if it detects too many failed biometric or password attempts.
Image credit — Samsung
Why this update actually matters
Quick Share is getting smarter. | Image credit — Samsung
Continuity features, you say? Now, where have I heard that particular term before? For years, Apple’s "Continuity" features have made moving files between an iPhone, iPad, and Mac seamless. Samsung’s new Storage Share looks like a direct answer to that dominance. If you have a house full of Samsung gear, this removes a major friction point.
However, Samsung isn't just playing catch-up. The Audio Broadcast feature is something Apple doesn't really have a direct equivalent for yet. While Apple creates a walled garden for file sharing, Samsung is leveraging the open Auracast standard to turn your phone into a broadcasting tool. This is great for people who work in events or education, though your average user might not touch it often.
Which One UI 8.5 features seems more interesting to you?
Storage share
0%
Audio broadcast
33.33%
Photo assist
33.33%
Smarter quick share
0%
Theft protection
33.33%
A step in the right direction
This update feels like Samsung is finally focusing on the "invisible" features that make using a phone enjoyable day-to-day. I have always found the gallery clutter annoying when editing photos, so the new Photo Assist flow is a genuine quality-of-life win. It is a small change, but it saves you from having to delete ten bad edits later just to keep your storage clean.
Looking at the bigger picture, the ecosystem push is smart. If you have a Galaxy Book or a Samsung TV, this update makes those purchases feel significantly more valuable. It is less about flashy new gimmicks and more about making your tech work together without you having to think about it. If this is the direction One UI is heading—where everything just connects fluidly—the future looks pretty smooth for Galaxy users.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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