Samsung hints via app update that the One UI 8.5 beta is coming soon

A recent rumor pointed to December 8 as the possible start date for the One UI 8.5 beta program, and Samsung has now indirectly hinted that the beta is indeed close. The latest update for its PENUP app includes a changelog note stating that “One UI 8.5 has been applied,” suggesting the app has already been optimized for the upcoming software version.

The update seems to have first rolled out on December 3, so while Samsung still hasn’t announced an official beta launch date, this is a strong indication that the One UI 8.5 beta program is right around the corner.

Samsung does update many of its apps ahead of major One UI rollouts to ensure compatibility with the new software, but it’s not often that we see this happening before the beta program even begins. Typically, these app updates roll out during the beta period and as the stable release approaches.

The One UI 8.5 beta program is expected to include the Galaxy S25 series and launch in the US, UK, Korea, and Germany in the first phase, followed by a release in India and Poland in the second phase. Once available, interested users will be able to sign up for it in the Samsung Members app.