Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: One UI 8.5 Beta Now Available

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners now have access to a substantial software update: the One UI 8.5 beta. Released this week through the Samsung Members app, the beta program extends the latest One UI experience to the company’s newest foldable device, following its initial rollout to the Galaxy S25 series in December 2025 and subsequent stable release on the Galaxy S26 series. The update, weighing in at approximately 4.6GB, is available to users in the US as build F966U1UE8BZC5.

What’s Novel in One UI 8.5?

This isn’t a minor tweak. One UI 8.5 represents a significant overhaul of Samsung’s software, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and enhanced usability. While the full changelog is extensive, key improvements span Galaxy AI capabilities, Bixby functionality, connectivity options, and core app experiences like Weather and Samsung Health.

Galaxy AI Enhancements

One of the most notable additions is the expansion of Galaxy AI features. The update introduces continuous image generation within the Photo Assist tool. This allows users to iteratively refine AI-generated images without needing to save each intermediate step, streamlining the creative process. Users can review a history of their creations and select their preferred results.

Bixby Gets Smarter

Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, receives a substantial intelligence boost. The update aims to make Bixby more conversational and intuitive, allowing users to interact using natural language rather than precise commands. Bixby is now better equipped to understand user intent and locate relevant settings or features. A new conversation history feature, accessible through a side panel within the Bixby app, allows users to review past interactions. Bixby can similarly now provide instant responses to a wider range of queries, reducing the need to switch between apps for information.

Connectivity and Sharing Improvements

One UI 8.5 introduces several enhancements to connectivity and file sharing. “Storage Share” allows users to access files stored on other Samsung devices – phones, tablets, and PCs – directly within the My Files app. A new Quick Share feature allows users to restrict incoming file requests to contacts signed in to either a Samsung or Google account, enhancing privacy. Photo sharing is also streamlined with Quick Share now suggesting recipients based on facial recognition within the images themselves. Improvements to Smart View and Auracast further enhance the device’s connectivity options. A shortcut for Smart View can now be added to the Home screen for faster mirroring to TVs and other displays, and the Audio broadcast menu in Settings now consolidates options for both broadcasting and listening with Auracast.

Refined User Experience

Beyond AI and connectivity, One UI 8.5 delivers a range of user experience refinements. The Lock screen now dynamically adjusts wallpaper layouts to ensure clocks and widgets don’t obscure critical elements of photos, particularly those featuring people or pets. Users gain more control over Lock screen clock fonts, with adjustable thickness options. The Weather widget receives an upgrade, displaying a graph of upcoming precipitation. A pollen index is also added, providing allergy sufferers with relevant environmental information. The Clock app gains a time zone converter with a slider for easy comparison, and alarms can now display current weather conditions as a background.

Health and Security Updates

Samsung Health benefits from enhanced weekly reports, now incorporating data from medication trackers and mindfulness sessions. Workout sharing is also improved, allowing users to combine exercise stats with photos for social media posts. Galaxy Watch users can now initiate meditations directly from their wrist, and antioxidant measurements are available directly on Galaxy Watch8 and Ultra models. Security is also addressed with new theft protection features, including Failed authentication lock and an enhanced Identity check. Users can also temporarily disable Auto blocker’s security protection with a 30-minute auto-reenablement option.

Accessibility Enhancements

Samsung continues to improve accessibility features. Bluetooth hearing aid controls are now accessible through the Accessibility shortcut. Magnification controls have been refined, allowing users to control the magnified area with a mouse or keyboard. The Auto action after pointer stops feature has been divided into Dwell action and Corner actions, providing more granular control over pointer-based interactions.

Joining the Beta Program

Interested Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners can join the One UI 8.5 beta program through the Samsung Members app. Locate the Beta Program banner at the bottom of the app and follow the on-screen instructions to enroll. It’s worth noting that the update requires approximately 4.6GB of storage space, but given the Z Fold 7’s generous storage capacity, this shouldn’t be a concern for most users.

Further details about the One UI 8.5 beta program and the full changelog can be found on Droid-Life. Samsung’s official support pages offer additional information on One UI 8.5 and its features. GSMArena also provides coverage of the beta rollout for both the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: GSMArena.

The rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 signals Samsung’s commitment to delivering its latest software innovations to its foldable devices. As with any beta program, users should expect potential bugs and instability, but the opportunity to experience and provide feedback on these new features is valuable. The final, stable release of One UI 8.5 is expected to follow in the coming weeks, bringing these enhancements to a wider audience.