Samsung Rolls Out Sixth One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 Series
Samsung has released the sixth beta update for One UI 8.5, specifically targeting its Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra models. This latest build, identified as ZZAO, is now available to users enrolled in Samsung’s beta testing programme. The update comes shortly after the fifth beta, which was issued just a week prior, signalling Samsung’s continued efforts to refine the software experience ahead of the Galaxy S26 series launch.
Improvements and Fixes in the Latest Beta
The new beta addresses several issues that have affected the user experience in previous versions. Notably, it resolves problems related to Bixby, improves sketch conversion functionality within the Gallery app, and fixes glitches involving the Now Bar and Now Brief text and icons. Users should also notice enhanced stability when changing camera settings, as well as corrected behaviour in lock screen style changes. Additionally, animations for notification cards have been polished to provide smoother transitions.
This update is sizeable, with a download of approximately 568MB, and it includes the February 5, 2026 security patch, ensuring that devices remain protected against recent vulnerabilities.
Context and What’s Next for One UI 8.5
Samsung’s Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra were unveiled at the recent Unpacked event in San Francisco, all running One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 out of the box. Meanwhile, the company has been steadily beta testing this software version on the previous generation Galaxy S25 lineup. With the S26 series soon to be available in stores, this sixth beta may well be the final release before a stable rollout to all S25 users. Samsung’s approach suggests a focus on delivering a polished and secure update in the near future.
As the Galaxy S26 family prepares for its commercial debut, Galaxy S25 owners can anticipate receiving the stable One UI 8.5 update soon, bringing them closer to the latest features and optimisations introduced in Samsung’s newest flagship range.
