Samsung's latest software iteration, One UI 8.5, is currently in beta testing, offering a glimpse into the refinements and new functionalities slated for a wider release. Based on Android 16 QPR2, this update is more than a routine refresh, bringing meaningful changes to core user experiences. Two of the most notable enhancements target the Now Brief widget and the flashlight, with the latter borrowing a clever, user-friendly feature popularized by Google's Pixel phones. These changes aim to make information more accessible and everyday functions harder to misuse, signaling Samsung's continued focus on practical, at-a-glance utility.
A Redesigned YouTube Experience in Now Brief
One of the standout visual changes in the One UI 8.5 beta is a complete overhaul of the YouTube card within the Now Brief widget. Previously, this section displayed video recommendations in a cramped, vertical list format that was limited to showing only two suggestions at a time. The new design adopts a modern, horizontal carousel layout that users can swipe through seamlessly. This shift is not merely cosmetic; it significantly increases the number of visible recommendations to up to ten videos, each presented with a larger, more prominent thumbnail image. This redesign aligns the widget with Samsung's contemporary aesthetic and makes discovering relevant content a more engaging and efficient process, especially as the recommendations are now personalized based on user data.
One UI 8.5 Beta Key Updates at a Glance:
- YouTube in Now Brief: Changed from a vertical list (2 videos) to a horizontal carousel (up to 10 videos) with larger thumbnails.
- Flashlight Indicator: New persistent "torch on" icon in the Now Bar and a control card in Now Brief, similar to Google Pixel's implementation.
- Current Beta Availability: Galaxy S25 series only.
- Base Software: Android 16 QPR2.
- Anticipated Stable Release: With the Galaxy S26 series launch in early 2026.
- Feature Activation: YouTube cards in Now Brief must be enabled manually in settings.
Borrowing a Brighter Idea for the Flashlight
Perhaps the most practical quality-of-life improvement comes to a tool many use daily: the flashlight. One UI 8.5 introduces a feature long appreciated by Pixel users—a persistent, live status indicator for the torch. Now, when the flashlight is activated, a dedicated icon appears in the Now Bar at the top of the screen, providing an immediate visual cue that the light is on. This simple addition effectively eliminates the common annoyance of accidentally leaving the flashlight running and draining the battery. Furthermore, the Now Brief widget itself will surface a "Torch on" notification card, which not only alerts the user but also provides a one-tap button to turn the light off directly from the home screen or lock screen, enhancing convenience and control.
The Broader One UI 8.5 Beta Context and Rollout
These specific updates are part of a broader beta program that is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series, offering testers early access to visual changes, new Galaxy AI features, and various system enhancements. Samsung is expected to expand the beta to other flagship lines, such as the Galaxy Z foldables, in the near future. The stable, public release of One UI 8.5 is anticipated to debut with the launch of the Galaxy S26 series early next year. Following that, the update will gradually roll out to a wide range of eligible Samsung devices, from recent flagships to mid-range and entry-level models, bringing these refined experiences to a vast user base.
Enabling and Customizing the New Features
For users eager to try these features, some may require manual enabling. To see YouTube recommendations in Now Brief, one must navigate to the Now Brief settings, select "Content to include," and ensure the YouTube option is toggled on. The new flashlight indicator, however, is a system-level change that should work automatically upon receiving the One UI 8.5 update. These tweaks exemplify Samsung's iterative approach to its software, focusing on solving minor but frequent user pain points. By refining how information is presented in Now Brief and making a basic hardware function more intelligent, One UI 8.5 demonstrates a commitment to creating a software environment that is not only powerful but also thoughtfully considerate of daily use.