Samsung Releases One UI 8.5 Beta 4 for Galaxy S25 Series: Key Updates and Enhancements
Samsung has initiated the rollout of the fourth beta version of its One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25 series, encompassing the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra models. This latest beta, identified by firmware version ZZAL, is currently available in South Korea, with expectations for a broader release in other regions shortly.
Key Fixes and Improvements:
The One UI 8.5 Beta 4 update, approximately 1.5GB in size, primarily focuses on resolving existing issues to enhance user experience. The update addresses the following:
– Lock Screen Clock Positioning: Corrected an issue where the clock on the lock screen would shift downward unexpectedly.
– Phone App Search History: Fixed a problem that occurred when accessing search history within the phone application.
– Bluetooth Headset Call Switching: Resolved an issue where calls would inadvertently switch to the device during specific conditions while using a Bluetooth headset.
– Keypad Number Pasting: Addressed a bug that caused errors when pasting phone numbers into the keypad after clicking a call link.
– AI Select Functionality: Fixed an issue where the AI Select feature did not automatically close upon selecting the Copy option.
Introduction of Direct Voicemail Feature:
Beyond these fixes, Beta 4 introduces a notable new feature: Direct Voicemail. This functionality allows users to send incoming calls directly to voicemail, either automatically or manually. Additionally, it provides real-time text transcripts of voicemail messages within the Phone app, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Beta Program Status and Future Expectations:
The One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series commenced in early December 2025, initially targeting users in South Korea, the US, UK, Germany, India, and Poland. As of late January 2026, Samsung has closed new registrations for the beta program in South Korea, indicating a progression towards finalizing the update.
Historically, Samsung’s beta programs have expanded to include other devices approximately two to three months after the initial release. If this pattern holds, we can anticipate the One UI 8.5 beta becoming available for additional Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy S24 series and the latest foldable models, in the near future.
Anticipated Stable Release:
The stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to debut alongside the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, projected for release in early March 2026. Following this launch, a wider rollout to existing devices is anticipated, bringing the new features and improvements to a broader user base.
Conclusion:
Samsung’s release of the One UI 8.5 Beta 4 for the Galaxy S25 series underscores the company’s commitment to refining its user interface and addressing user feedback. With significant bug fixes and the introduction of the Direct Voicemail feature, this update aims to enhance the overall user experience. Users are encouraged to participate in the beta program to explore these new features ahead of the official release.
