We noted just a few days back that Samsung was likely to open the proverbial floodgates for its OneUI 8.5 beta firmware update in December.
Well, the firmware update appears to be progressing as per the previously delineated schedule, as indicated by its changelog that has just landed.
The changelog for Samsung's OneUI 8.5 firmware update
We now have access to the full changelog for the OneUI 8.5 firmware update, thanks to Tarun Vats. Here is everything that is now officially slated to change with the new update:
Galaxy AI
- Photo Assist will now allow you to create multiple AI images without saving each iteration, allowing you to pick your favorite iteration from the history section.
Bixby
- Bixby now has improved contextual understanding and can find the target setting or feature even if you do not use the exact wording in your voice commands.
- Bixby can now answer quick queries as well as those seeking detailed information.
- You can access your past Bixby conversations in the history section.
Connectivity
- Shared storage allows you to access your files on other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs via the My Files app. You can also access your smartphone's files via other Samsung devices, including smart TVs.
- Smart View now allows you to add a home screen shortcut to instantly mirror your phone's screen on a TV or other display devices.
- You can now broadcast your voice or other sounds to the people who are in close proximity via Auracast.
Battery and Power
- A redesigned battery settings section displays information such as the remaining battery juice, charging status, and daily usage in a clearer and more accessible fashion.
- Customizable limits for the Power Saving mode.
Accessibility
- Access Bluetooth hearing aids from the Accessibility shortcut.
- You can now control magnification with a mouse or a keyboard.
- Dwell action now lets you set a custom section when the mouse stays stationary for a set amount of time.
Miscellaneous
- Quick Panel has now become more customizable.
- Get alerts before reminders are due.
- Support for recording only a part of the screen.
- The Calculator app will suggest numbers and formulas copied to the clipboard.
- DeX now remembers your preferences for app window sizes and positions.
Clock
- The alarm screen now displays the current weather as the background when it goes off.
- A more intuitive, slider-based time zone converter.
Samsung Health
- More detailed weekly reports.
- You can share your exercise stats with workout photos.
- A meditation session can now be initiated directly from the Galaxy Watch.
- Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra now measure antioxidant levels even without being connected to a phone.
Security and Privacy
- The failed authentication lock will now lock your screen after a set number of failed attempts to gain access to your phone.
- Identity check now protects an expansive list of settings.
- Auto blocker can now turn on automatically 30 minutes after being temporarily disabled.
Quick Share
- You can restrict Quick Share to only receive files from devices signed in to your Samsung or Google account.
- Quick Share can recognize friends and family members in photos and provide suggestions for directly sharing those pictures with the recognized people.
Home and Lock Screen
- When you choose a specific picture of people or pets as the lock screen background, the clock and widgets are adjusted automatically so that the most important parts of the background are not obfuscated.
- More customizable clock fonts.
Weather
- Enhanced weather widget replete with a precipitation graph.
- The Weather app now supports pollen index.
Finally, do note that Samsung might choose to add new features once the beta rollout of the OneUI 8.5 firmware update commences and then progresses serially.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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