Samsung One UI 8.5 Redesigns Your Lock Screen with New Clocks & Privacy
▼ Summary
– Samsung is developing One UI 8.5 ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch expected early next year.
– The update will improve lock screen notification readability with a new blur effect for text on busy wallpapers.
– One UI 8.5 will introduce new, cartoonish clock styles that maintain Samsung’s usual aesthetic.
– The new clock styles feature curves, gradients, and one includes a vertical orientation option.
– These are early leaks, and more features may be revealed before the official unveiling in a few months.
Samsung is actively developing One UI 8.5, with its anticipated release aligning with the Galaxy S26 launch early next year. Although a public beta remains some time away, internal builds continue to surface online, revealing exciting new features. Recent leaks highlight significant changes coming to the lock screen, focusing on improved usability and fresh visual customization.
According to reports, one of the key adjustments involves how notifications are displayed. The current system on One UI 8 can make text difficult to read against complex wallpapers. To solve this, One UI 8.5 is expected to introduce a new blur effect for the notification list. This enhancement should significantly improve text legibility by creating a distinct background layer, making notifications stand out clearly regardless of your chosen wallpaper. It is not yet confirmed whether this will be the new default setting or if users will have the option to choose from different notification styles.
Beyond improved readability, the update will also expand personalization options. The leaks point to the addition of several new clock styles. Samsung appears to be sticking with its own design philosophy, as the new options do not mimic the tall, narrow clocks seen in competing operating systems. Instead, the fresh designs have a playful, cartoonish character, employing soft curves and gradient color effects to add a touch of flair. One of the newly spotted clocks even offers a vertical orientation, providing users with more layout choices for their lock screen.
These lock screen refinements join a growing list of leaked One UI 8.5 features, which include advanced AI capabilities and design elements reminiscent of liquid glass. While the current lock screen updates seem focused on practicality and aesthetics, the final version could incorporate more of these influences before the official unveiling alongside the Galaxy S26.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
