Fourth One UI 8.5 Beta Arrives for Galaxy S25 Series
Samsung has begun releasing the fourth beta version of its upcoming One UI 8.5 software for the Galaxy S25 series. This latest update, identified by the firmware version ending in ZZAL, is currently available to users in South Korea, India, Germany, the UK, and the US. The update weighs in at around 1.48GB and includes the February 5, 2026 security patch, showcasing Samsung’s ongoing commitment to enhancing device security alongside new features.
Bug Fixes and New Direct Voicemail Feature
Alongside various bug fixes, this beta addresses several issues reported by users. These include correcting the lock screen clock position, resolving problems with Bluetooth headset call switching, fixing search history glitches in the Phone app, and ensuring the AI Select feature closes properly after copying text. Notably, the update introduces a new Direct Voicemail feature, which allows users to send calls directly to voicemail either automatically after a set time or manually. Voicemails can be accessed within the Samsung Phone app, and during recording, users can view a real-time text transcript of the message. This feature bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Live Voicemail introduced with iOS 17, signalling Samsung’s efforts to enhance call management and user convenience.
Context and Previous Beta Releases
One UI 8.5 represents Samsung’s next major software update, set to debut in its stable form alongside the Galaxy S26 series in the near future. Prior to this, Samsung has been actively testing the new interface on the Galaxy S25 lineup, with the first two beta versions launching in December, followed by a third in January. The current fourth beta continues to refine the experience and prepare the software for a wider rollout. Samsung’s iterative beta testing approach helps iron out bugs and introduce new features gradually, ensuring a smoother user experience upon official release.
What to Expect Next
While the Direct Voicemail feature is confirmed in certain regions, it remains unclear whether it will be available globally once One UI 8.5 is officially launched. Samsung enthusiasts should keep an eye out for further updates as the company finalises the software ahead of the Galaxy S26’s release. The ongoing beta updates suggest that Samsung is focused on improving both functionality and usability, with features like Direct Voicemail potentially becoming a standard part of its phone app ecosystem.
For those using the Galaxy S25 series, this fourth beta offers a glimpse of what’s to come with One UI 8.5, combining practical fixes with innovative new tools to enhance daily smartphone use.
Source: Tarun Vats on X