Samsung has started releasing its stable One UI 8.5 update, beginning with Galaxy S25 series phones in South Korea on May 6, 2026. This is a major software update that brings advanced Galaxy AI features, which were first introduced with the Galaxy S26 series, to older Samsung flagship devices.
These features are designed to make everyday tasks easier and smarter for users around the world. The update comes after several months of testing, including 10 beta versions for the S25 series, and it also includes the April 2026 security patch to improve device safety.
Users in Korea with Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 FE devices are receiving the update first. The update appears with build numbers such as S731NKSU6BZDP on beta devices. Samsung plans to release it gradually in more countries, including India, and expand it to other devices like the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Tab S11 and S10 tablets.
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The exact timing for regions like the US, Europe, and India is not fixed yet, but reports suggest that the update may start reaching these markets as early as next week, following Samsung’s usual rollout pattern.
The main highlight of One UI 8.5 is its new Galaxy AI improvements, which make the phone smarter and reduce the need for manual input. Features like Agentic AI can handle complex tasks in the background automatically. Creative Studio allows users to create or edit images using simple text commands, and tools like Photo Assist let users move objects between photos easily.
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Bixby has been upgraded to act more like a natural conversational assistant, with features like conversation history, faster information access, and integration with tools such as Perplexity for more difficult questions. Other AI features include call screening through Bixby Text Call and continuous AI image creation, bringing advanced capabilities from the S26 series to current devices.
The camera app also gets useful updates. These include real-time previews for Log video LUTs, the ability to record using both front and rear cameras at the same time, automatic motion photo detection, and improved document scanning that can fix smudges, folds, or finger marks automatically.
The user interface has also been improved with modern design elements like new blur effects, floating interface components for quick access, and better personalization options. Users can download wallpapers that change based on the weather, customize lock screen clocks, and view Now Brief summaries directly on the home screen. Quick Share now works more smoothly with Apple devices, Storage Share helps connect Galaxy devices for easy file transfers, and Auto Hotspot now supports family sharing.
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There are also improvements in health and privacy features. Samsung Health now provides detailed weekly reports, allows workout sharing, includes meditation controls connected to Galaxy Watches, and can track antioxidant levels on supported wearables. The battery section has a new design, privacy alerts appear automatically when needed, and theft protection can lock the phone if it is stolen.
Knox Matrix helps monitor the security of connected devices. Additional features include partial screen recording for privacy, improved reminders, better multitasking in DeX mode, calculator clipboard suggestions, weather widgets with pollen information, Bluetooth support for hearing aids, and more accessibility features.
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To install the update, users can go to Settings and then Software update on their Galaxy phone or tablet. Samsung releases updates in phases depending on the region and carrier, so it may take some time to reach all users. People with supported devices like the S24 Ultra or Z Fold 7 should keep checking for the update.
This free upgrade runs on Android 16 and aims to provide long-term smooth performance. Samsung has also recently reached a $1 trillion valuation, and this update shows its effort to keep older devices updated and competitive in the fast-moving smartphone market.