An internal beta build of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 lineup has surfaced online. It showcases upgraded UI components, enhanced AI capabilities, and system-level optimisations. These leaks suggest Samsung is preparing a major software refresh ahead of 2026. The update could add support for Pro camera presets in the Samsung Galaxy smartphones. 

Let’s take a look at the rumoured upgrades of the Samsung Galaxy UI 8.5 Beta build. 

What We Know So Far?  

Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) claimed in a post on X that the first One UI 8.5 beta build for the Galaxy S25 series is now listed on Samsung’s test servers. The update reportedly bears the firmware versions S938NKSU7ZYKP, S938NOKR7ZYKP and S938NKSU7CYKP.  

Status of Beta Release  

Last month, early One UI 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra leaked online. Recently, the company released what could be the first beta build intended for the public.  

At least two Galaxy Z Fold 7 One UI 8.5 firmware builds have also leaked. However, it is still unclear which devices will ultimately be included in the beta program. 

A previous leak indicated a new One UI 8.5 auto blur content feature, which is said to make use of Galaxy AI to hide sensitive data like metadata, location and more before sharing a photo from the Share menu. 

Update on Public Release  

Regular users can not access internal builds, but their discovery on Samsung’s servers suggests that the public beta release of One UI 8.5 may be a few weeks away. 

Samsung was earlier expected to bring the One UI 8.5 public beta in November, but the release was said to be delayed due to changes in the possible launch timeline of the Galaxy S26 lineup. 

Samsung has advanced its Android 16 adoption, pushed by Google’s strategy. The company has brought One UI 8.0 to its foldables. The x.5 version is also making a comeback with the Galaxy S26 series in 2026. 

Launch Timeline  

• Every One UI beta program is released into phases. The first phase will reportedly roll out in the US, UK, Korea, and Germany.  

• The second phase is said to begin on December 22, which is when Samsung will supposedly expand the beta program to India and Poland.  

• The company will also release the second beta update for phase-one markets. 

•  A One UI 8.5 Beta 3 build could arrive as early as January 5, 2026. 

Samsung has not yet confirmed the dates for the One UI 8.5 Beta program. The timeline may also change. 

What Should You Expect?  

Leaks suggest that One UI 8.5 may introduce a couple of new features. It will support Pro camera presets and allow users to save and switch between custom settings in Pro mode. 

Another expected feature is Priority Notifications. This functionality could use Galaxy AI to automatically identify important notifications and show them above other notifications.  

The One UI 8.5 may also include a Network Battery Saver feature to control network activity during idle hours to preserve battery. 

“Knox Matrix Trust Chain technology provides security across Samsung Galaxy connected devices so you can monitor the security of other devices right from your Galaxy smartphone,” the company mentioned in a blog post. 

Final Thoughts  

The leaked One UI 8.5 beta build offers the clearest indication of Samsung’s software strategy for the Galaxy S25 series. These upgrades will provide a polished flagship experience with refined visuals, improved performance, and deeper AI integration. More details are expected to surface as the launch approaches. 

It was rumoured that the Beta Program would launch by the end of November. However, the flagship phones have reportedly been delayed to late February 2026. It may also have pushed back the launch of Beta activity by a few weeks.