Samsung has released the fifth beta build of One UI 8.5 for Galaxy S25 owners enrolled in the testing program, and while the update is light on changes, the one addition buried in the changelog is hard to ignore.
One UI 8.5 Beta 5 arrives roughly ten days after beta 4, landing as a compact 550MB package distributed across the US, UK, and India. The size alone tells you most of what you need to know: this build is primarily a bug fix release. Samsung is clearly tightening screws rather than adding furniture at this stage.
But the changelog does mention one meaningful addition. A new version of Bixby, rebuilt with AI integration through Perplexity, is on its way. It is not live yet in beta 5, but its presence in the notes signals that Samsung is close to flipping the switch.
What the New Bixby Actually Means
Samsung’s assistant has spent years as an afterthought. The revamped version, which Samsung officially announced on January 20, aims to change that with real-time information access and a more conversational feel. Whether it can compete with more established AI assistants remains to be seen, but the Perplexity partnership at least gives it a credible foundation.
Samsung is almost certainly saving the full Bixby reveal for Galaxy Unpacked on February 25, when the Galaxy S26 takes center stage.
Getting the Update
If you are already on beta 4, navigate to Settings, then Software Update, and check for updates. The One UI 8.5 beta program launched on December 8 and covers the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra.
