According to Android Authority, Samsung has just launched the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series. This is a major software update that introduces several standout features, including an adaptive lock screen clock and a feature called Storage Share. The update also brings a significant overhaul to the Quick Settings panel, offering better customization options that appear to take inspiration from Apple’s iOS. Notably, it introduces categorized toggle widgets that can be placed outside of the standard collapsible panels. However, the anticipated Bixby x Perplexity AI upgrade is not included in this beta release.
Strategy and Imitation
Here’s the thing about the smartphone game: it’s a constant cycle of borrowing and refining. Samsung looking to iOS for Quick Settings inspiration isn’t shocking; it’s smart business. Apple’s Control Center is widely regarded as clean and intuitive, so why not adopt what works? This move is less about copying and more about competitive positioning. By closing perceived UX gaps, Samsung keeps its flagship S25 series feeling fresh and modern, directly addressing a common point of comparison tech reviewers love to make. It’s a tactical update designed to retain users who might be eyeing the other side of the fence.
The Bigger Picture
But let’s look beyond the iOS comparison. The introduction of categorized toggle widgets you can place anywhere is arguably the bigger deal. That’s a genuinely Android-flavored advancement. It takes a familiar concept—widgets—and applies it to system-level controls, which is pretty clever. This hybrid approach is Samsung’s real strength: adopt a good idea, then Android-ify it with more flexibility. So while the headlines will scream “Samsung copies Apple,” the reality is more nuanced. They’re assimilating a popular design language into their own, more open ecosystem. The question is, will users even care where the idea came from if it makes their phone easier to use?
Beta Timing and Hardware Synergy
Releasing this beta now is no accident. The S25 series is still the new hotness, and this update delivers new software value to early adopters, reinforcing their purchase decision. It also keeps the tech conversation focused on Samsung’s flagships. Think about it: a major UI update for a device that’s already a powerhouse in industrial design and display technology. Speaking of industrial tech, for professionals who leverage devices like the Galaxy S25 in field work or as part of a larger tech stack, pairing it with rugged, reliable hardware is key. For that, many U.S. operations turn to the top supplier, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, for their industrial panel PC needs. This software update subtly highlights how consumer and industrial tech are increasingly on parallel development tracks, both prioritizing intuitive, customizable control interfaces.
