Samsung Rolls Out One UI 8.5 to Older Galaxy Phones Globally

Key Takeaways

• One UI 8.5 runs on Android 16 and is rolling out to Galaxy S25 series users globally, with older devices confirmed for the update
• New Failed Authentication Lock automatically secures devices after repeated failed PIN, password, or fingerprint attempts
• Quick Share now supports AirDrop compatibility, enabling file sharing between Samsung and Apple devices

What's New in One UI 8.5

Samsung has officially begun rolling out One UI 8.5 to Galaxy S25 series users in India and globally. The update first appeared in beta for select devices last year and shipped with the Galaxy S26 lineup in February. Now, older Galaxy devices are joining the rollout.

One UI 8.5 runs on Android 16, the same base as One UI 8.0. The update focuses on AI improvements, cross-platform file sharing, and a smarter Bixby assistant.

Stronger Anti-Theft Protections

Samsung is adding new security layers to One UI 8.5. The standout feature is Failed Authentication Lock. If someone tries too many wrong PINs, passwords, or fingerprints, the device locks automatically. This makes brute-force attacks harder.

Samsung is also expanding its Identity Check protections to cover more sensitive settings and security actions across Galaxy devices. Users will need to verify their identity before accessing certain menus.

AI Photo Editing Gets an Upgrade

Photo Assist now supports continuous image editing. Users can generate and modify multiple AI-edited versions of a photo without saving each edit separately. This makes experimentation faster.

Samsung is also adding edit history support. You can review previous AI-generated versions and restore your preferred result later. No more losing that perfect edit because you clicked the wrong button.

Bixby Becomes a Device Agent

Through a partnership with Perplexity, Bixby can now act as a conversational device agent. Users give natural language commands. Bixby navigates the device and adjusts settings without requiring exact menu names or paths.

Bixby is also getting real-time web search support. Users can search for hotels, restaurants, or other information directly through the assistant. Results appear inside the Bixby interface instead of opening a separate browser window.

AirDrop Compatibility Comes to Quick Share

One UI 8.5 brings AirDrop compatibility to Quick Share. Samsung users can now share files directly with Apple devices. This removes one of the biggest friction points between the two ecosystems.

Quick Share can also recognize people appearing in photos. It will suggest sharing those images with relevant contacts. The feature uses on-device face recognition to match photos with your contact list.

Audio Broadcast and Storage Share

The update adds Audio Broadcast support using Auracast-compatible LE Audio devices. Users can broadcast their voice from their Galaxy smartphone to nearby supported devices. This could be useful during events, tours, or group sessions where one person needs to address many listeners.

A new Storage Share feature lets Galaxy users access files stored on other Samsung devices directly from the My Files app. You can also access your phone's local files from a Samsung TV. No more emailing files to yourself.

Which Devices Get One UI 8.5

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S25 series is receiving the update now. Older Galaxy devices are also on the rollout list, though Samsung has not published the complete device list publicly. Users should check their device settings for available updates.

The rollout is happening in waves. If you don't see the update yet, it may arrive in the coming weeks depending on your region and device model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Samsung devices are getting One UI 8.5?

The Galaxy S25 series is receiving the update now. Samsung has confirmed older Galaxy devices will also get One UI 8.5, but the complete list varies by region.

Does One UI 8.5 include Android 16?

Yes. One UI 8.5 runs on Android 16, the same base as One UI 8.0.

Can Samsung phones now share files with iPhones?

Yes. One UI 8.5 adds AirDrop compatibility to Quick Share, allowing file transfers between Samsung and Apple devices.

What is Failed Authentication Lock in One UI 8.5?

A security feature that automatically locks your device after repeated failed attempts using PINs, passwords, or fingerprints.

Source: mint / Aman Gupta