Samsung rolls out One UI 8.5 Android upgrade to Galaxy S25 series

10 articles · Updated · Forbes · Apr 27

The update, launching April 30 in Korea and globally by May 4, brings enhanced security features like Theft Protection and Auto Blocker to millions of Galaxy S25 users.
This upgrade, previously exclusive to the Galaxy S26, is free and does not require purchasing a new device. It follows a lengthy beta program with ten releases and significant user criticism.
Samsung aims to close the security gap with Google Pixel, whose recent updates caused issues like reboots and battery drain, while older Samsung models remain on the One UI 8.5 beta.

Will older Galaxy models receive all the new AI features, or are they reserved only for the latest devices?

After a record 11 betas, can Samsung's One UI 8.5 update deliver the stability that Google's recent updates lack?

Is the industry's rush to add AI features compromising the fundamental stability of smartphone software updates?

Is Samsung's Knox, with its new theft protection, now more secure than Google's native Android anti-theft tools?

How will Samsung's plan to allow secure third-party app stores impact the future of the Android ecosystem?

How does Samsung's new 'shoulder surfing' protection work to hide your screen from prying eyes in public?