The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is getting a surprising update — the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Ocean Mode.
Originally created for certain people to track the deterioration of coral reefs, this underwater mode uses clever algorithms that help to balance out the various color distortions and ripples you find when filming underwater.
Ocean Mode is perfect for summer
Ocean Mode is a feature that was never really meant to get a full release. It was originally developed as an internal tool to help monitor coral reefs for restoration projects two years ago, and was then deployed only on certain S24 Ultra phones.
As such, we were surprised when the mode suddenly showed up on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as it hadn’t been seen since the S24 Ultra — and only on specific models at that.
But now, Ocean Mode has been spotted on beta builds of One UI 8.5 for the S25 Ultra, meaning the mode is also likely to arrive on that phone with the final version of the update. If you’re running One UI 8.5, you can find the mode in your Expert RAW app, but only if it’s running version 5.0.08.2.
Since Ocean Mode was originally developed for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, we wouldn’t be surprised if it dropped on there too, though there’s been no indication this is the case, yet.
It makes sense that Samsung would roll Ocean Mode out for good if it could. After all, it’s just another camera mode, albeit one that specializes in underwater shots and video, which isn’t exactly where most people will be taking their phones. Which is for a good reason.
Don’t just take your phone into the water
While the Galaxy S-range sports water resistance, it’s very important to be aware that even the top-levels of water resistance are advisory only, and are not invitations for you to take your phone for a dip on purpose. It’s insurance against a drop in the pool, not an invitation.
In addition, phone water resistance is only checked in fresh water, not chlorinated pool water, or salty seawater. So it’s not even confirmed that your smartphone will be able to survive being immersed in the sea, anyway.
But this isn’t an insurmountable problem. If you want to try out Ocean Mode in the summer sun at the beach, then all you need is a watertight case for your phone. Those can range from bespoke cases with plugs, to simple plastic pouches that fit a range of phones.
So if you want to try out Ocean Mode for yourself, make sure you protect your phone before you try it out.
