Samsung has just started the stable Android 16-based One UI 8 rollout for the Galaxy devices; however, the company is yet to officially reveal anything regarding the One UI 8.5 build. But since several leaks and rumors are already providing a slight idea of what could be expected with the upcoming version, here’s all that has happened so far.
Samsung One UI 8.5 Features
While Samsung is already testing the One UI 8.5 build on a few Galaxy phones internally, leaked information suggests that despite being a minor update, the upcoming One UI 8.5 version is supposed to be the most significant update so far, and therefore, it is looking like a huge update from now on!
At the same time, here’s a quick look at the features and upgrades that are eventually rumored to be arriving with the upcoming Android 16-based One UI 8.5 update.
iOS-inspired Settings page UI:
Starting with the changes, One UI 8.5 consists of a few changes in the design, which is more or less inspired by Apple’s iOS. A modified leaked build certainly showcased that Samsung is currently looking towards refreshing the Settings UI by adding some more compact menu items; the search bar has been shifted to the bottom, adding a floating back button and an overflow gradient effect at the edges, and the menu containers now have a drop shadow effect in order to give a fresh look to the entire UI.
New launcher shortcut for AI agents:
It’s spotted that One UI 8.5 is supposed to bring an all-new launcher shortcut that will be integrated with some unknown AI agents. However, it’s still unknown exactly which kind of AI elements will be infused, but with the courtesy of leaked information, it’s believed that users will be able to ask questions, and they will get concise answers to the questions in not more than 3 sentences that could satisfy the user’s intent. Also, users will have the choice to opt for different AI models, including Gemini AI, Perplexity, and Samsung’s proprietary Galaxy AI features.
The return of pollen tracking to Samsung Weather:
Samsung used to offer a pollen tracking feature within its Weather app, but unfortunately the company took it off in One UI 7. Now, a leaked One UI 8.5 build highlighted a dedicated pollen card in the Samsung Weather app, which will display tree, ragweed pollen, and grass via a color-based leaf icon with their severe levels, from None to Low to Moderate, that apparently offer caution for people having allergies. Also, not just this, the app is supposed to get a more refreshed UI to provide an aesthetic user experience.
Screen Privacy with Private Display:
Samsung appears to be preparing to introduce a new function, Private Display, where the feature will perhaps limit the visibility from side angles, preventing others from seeing what exactly is going on on the display. Also, the feature is supposed to mark its arrival with the next generation, the Galaxy S26 series, which is already rumored to use Samsung’s Flex Magic Pixel technology. With the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware, users will have a few options to choose from for different privacy levels, including Maximum Privacy, where the display is dimmed further for more security.
Pixel-inspired Automatic Call Screening:
Within the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware, Samsung seems to be working on introducing a Pixel-inspired Automatic Call Screening feature for Galaxy devices. This feature triggers your Galaxy phones to automatically take care of suspicious calls and significantly displays the live transcription of the entire conversation. Not just the feature lets users worry-free handle spam calls, as they don’t even have to take the hustle to take up the call. However, users will also have the option to manually perform call screening via Bixby Text Call.
Quick Share to have an NFC-based file-sharing option:
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is supposed to make it easier to share or transfer files, as the leaked build pinpoints that Quick Share is getting a new option, called NFC-based file sharing, where the Galaxy phones can automatically transfer files when they are brought closer together. This feature is Android’s own version of Apple’s AirDrop feature, but Quick Share is going to be much faster due to its possible reliance directly on Wi-Fi.
New Customizable Quick Panel:
Quick panel customizations have been a major factor, especially after the redesign with One UI 7. Meanwhile, with One UI 8.5, it looks like Samsung is supposed to bring new customization options to the Quick Panel. This time, there’s a fully customizable control panel, where all the tiles can be moved or removed, highlighting a major design change of Galaxy’s Quick Panel in several years. This not only offers more control to keep or adjust tiles according to your preferences, but also any section can be easily moved from one place to another.
Temporarily disable Auto Blocker:
Samsung integrated Auto Blocker with One UI 6 for an additional layer of security, which blocks sideloading of apps and prevents suspicious activities. With a leaked One UI 8.5 build surfacing online, it appears like Galaxy phone owners will now be able to disable the Auto Blocker feature, which is enabled by default on newer Galaxy phones. Also, users will have the choice to allow Auto Blocker to automatically re-enable itself after 30 minutes right after turning it off. Further, users can even choose to skip the limit of 30 minutes, and so they can disable the Auto Blocker feature for an indefinite time.
Photosensitive Epilepsy: Protection from flashing lights:
In terms of accessibility, One UI 8.5 is said to add a major feature, which will act as a treat for people suffering from photosensitive epilepsy. The system will detect flashing lights in videos and can automatically dim the screen, which can easily reduce the impact on eyes. It may sound like a minor addition, but it could create a significant impact on Galaxy phone owners who suffer from the problem.
New and More Advanced AI Features:
With One UI 8.5, Samsung seems to be adding even more AI-powered features, including Meeting Assist, Touch Assist, Social Composer, and Smart Clipboard. At the same time, it’s possible that these features will be making their way to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which is already rumored to run Android 16-based One UI 8.5 out of the box.
