Samsung is edging closer to the final release of One UI 8.5 for its Galaxy S25 series, rolling out the ninth beta version to testers. If the current pace holds, the highly anticipated stable update could hit select markets by the end of this month.

The latest firmware, carrying the build number ZZD5, weighs in at roughly 865MB for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, though file sizes will vary depending on the specific model and region.

But the absolute standout feature of this update is a massive cross-platform breakthrough: native AirDrop support via Quick Share. In a move that bridges the historically divided Apple and Android ecosystems, Galaxy users can now seamlessly send and receive files directly with iPhones.

On the creative front, Samsung is also giving mobile photographers fresh stylistic options by introducing three new camera filters: Classic Film, Pop Film, and Blanc.

Beyond the shiny new features, Beta 9 heavily prioritizes system stability. Samsung's changelog highlights a raft of bug fixes addressing Bluetooth connectivity, notification cards, and the Always-On Display (AOD) clock. The update also squashes a frustrating bug that caused screen flickering and color distortion when adjusting zoom levels in dual-recording mode. Furthermore, users should notice smoother performance when opening gallery albums, alongside resolutions for several call-related issues.

Industry watchers expect Samsung to deploy at least one more beta before the final rollout. Barring any major setbacks, the stable version of One UI 8.5 is projected to debut in South Korea by late April, expanding to global markets in early May, with a complete global rollout wrapping up in July.