One UI 8.5: Top New Features and Upgrades Revealed
▼ Summary
– One UI 8.5 is a substantial mid-cycle update based on Android 16, featuring refined visuals, AI upgrades, and smarter system tools, set to launch with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.
– It serves as a bridge update to One UI 9, adopting the “x.5” naming to highlight significant under-the-hood changes and provide a competitive edge with enhanced software for new flagships.
– The update introduces multiple new Galaxy AI features, including AI Agents Integration for accessing multiple AI providers, AI Call Screening, and China-only tools like Meeting Assist and Smart Clipboard.
– System apps receive UI and functional enhancements, such as redesigned interfaces for the Phone, Gallery, and My Files apps, and new capabilities in Quick Share, Routines, and Auto Blocker.
– Additional improvements include a fully customizable Quick Panel, camera app upgrades like LUT profiles and 3D recording, and new features such as Family Device Sharing and Samsung Cloud returning for gallery backups.
While Samsung has only just started distributing One UI 8, development for its successor is already in full swing. One UI 8.5, built upon Android 16, is shaping up to be far more than a simple maintenance release. Early builds indicate a substantial update packed with refined aesthetics, meaningful artificial intelligence upgrades, and smarter system utilities. This version is anticipated to launch with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, serving as a strategic bridge before the more significant jump to One UI 9 on Android 17.
The rationale behind One UI 8.5 is straightforward. Samsung positions it as a crucial interim update ahead of its next major software overhaul. The company has a tradition of debuting a fresh version of its Android skin with new Galaxy S flagships, and the Galaxy S26 will continue this pattern. Since Android 17 won’t be ready for the S26’s debut, a direct move to One UI 9 isn’t feasible. Instead, Samsung is preparing a mid-cycle update that delivers considerable new value. Historically labeled as “x.1” releases, Samsung is now shifting to the “x.5” designation to underscore the more significant underlying changes. This strategy ensures that the S26 lineup launches with upgraded software, new functionalities, and deeper Galaxy AI integrations, giving Samsung’s flagships a competitive advantage by offering a more polished and capable user experience straight out of the box.
A major focus of One UI 8.5 is the expansion of AI capabilities. Samsung is introducing several new Galaxy AI tools designed to boost productivity and convenience. It is important to note that some of these features are currently exclusive to China, with no confirmation on a global release.
- Meeting Assist (China-only): This tool functions as a real-time translator for professional environments, smoothing cross-language collaboration. It can instantly translate spoken dialogue and on-screen text during video calls, team meetings, or live presentations, proving invaluable for professionals in global teams.One UI 8.5 also brings a host of improvements to the built-in system applications, focusing on UI enhancements, new features, and optimizations for a more intuitive experience.
- Phone App: The dialer interface is being redesigned with a single floating pill-style navigation bar instead of three fixed tabs, featuring a circular highlight for the active tab. The call icon is also being refreshed.The update includes numerous functional and user interface enhancements across the system.
- Fully Customizable Quick Panel: Users gain complete control over the Quick Settings panel, able to change the size of toggles and widgets, move them anywhere, and even remove unnecessary tiles for a personalized layout.Several other noteworthy features are also part of the One UI 8.5 package.
- Samsung Cloud in Gallery: Samsung Cloud returns as a gallery backup option, moving away from the current Microsoft OneDrive integration for photos and videos.Based on Android 16, One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series. While an official date is not yet confirmed, the new flagships will likely be announced in January 2026, with general sales commencing a week or two later. Samsung should then roll out the update to other eligible devices that received One UI 8.
(Source: Sammy Guru)
