Samsung announces OneUI 8.5 beta program with improved AI features, privacy and more

Samsung has announced the OneUI 8.5 beta program, giving select Galaxy users access to the next major software update. The new version focuses on expanded on-device AI tools, improved privacy options and system-level refinements. The beta rollout begins in phases, starting with recent Galaxy S-series and foldable models in supported regions.

AI features
The OneUI 8.5 beta expands Samsung’s on-device AI capabilities with upgraded processing for text, images and voice tasks. Users get enhanced transcription, summarisation and translation through native apps, along with improved performance for Galaxy AI features introduced earlier in the year. Samsung Notes, Gallery and the keyboard app now support more automation and context-based suggestions designed to reduce dependency on cloud processing.
Camera features also get updated AI-based tools, including refined scene detection and improved post-processing. The beta adds system-wide enhancements for AI-powered search, offering faster results across settings, apps and documents.

Privacy
Samsung has added more granular controls under the privacy dashboard. The beta introduces clearer permission prompts, expanded access-logs for apps and new options for restricting background data usage. Users can now see which apps accessed location, camera or microphone inputs in real time.
A new on-device processing toggle allows certain AI features to work without sending data externally, aligning with Samsung’s push toward local AI. The update also brings a redesigned security patch module to simplify updates delivered outside major firmware cycles.

The beta includes changes across system stability, animations and multitasking. Samsung has refined split-screen handling, improved continuity between phone and tablet modes and added new customisation tools for the lock screen and quick settings.