Samsung is gearing up to launch its latest iteration of its custom Android skin, One UI 8.5. Based on Android 16, this version promises a host of improvements, features, and refinements over the current One UI 8. Here's a comprehensive look at what you can expect from the upcoming One UI 8.5 release.

Release Timeline

Samsung typically unveils new One UI versions alongside its flagship Galaxy S series. Following this pattern, One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, likely in early 2026. While an exact date remains unconfirmed, February or March 2026 is a likely timeframe.

Before the stable release, Samsung is expected to initiate a beta program, allowing users to test the new features and provide feedback. According to leaks, the One UI 8.5 beta program is slated to begin in phases, starting in early December 2025. The initial phase, reportedly commencing around December 8, will likely be available in select markets, including the US, UK, South Korea, and Germany. A second phase, expected around December 22, may extend the beta to India and Poland.

Anticipated Feature Highlights

One UI 8.5 is expected to be more than just a minor update, with significant changes and additions across the user interface and functionality. Some of the most anticipated features include:

• Customizable Quick Panel: One of the most significant changes is the ability to fully customize the Quick Settings panel. Users will be able to move, resize, add, or remove toggles and widgets, offering a personalized experience.
• AI-Powered Enhancements: Building on the AI capabilities introduced in One UI 8, version 8.5 is expected to bring further integration of Galaxy AI tools. This may include improved photo editing, enhanced translation features, and smarter writing assistance. An AI launcher shortcut might also be introduced, providing quick access to information and answers directly from the home screen.
• Enhanced Privacy Features: Samsung is focusing on user privacy with One UI 8.5. A new privacy tool is expected to identify and blur sensitive information in photos before sharing, such as IDs or passports. Stronger pop-up blocking in the Samsung Internet browser and more granular privacy controls are also anticipated.
• Camera Improvements: Mobile photographers can look forward to enhancements in the camera app. One UI 8.5 may introduce LUT (Look-Up Table) profiles for applying cinematic color presets to videos, 3D spatial recording, and APV (Advanced Professional Video) support. Camera presets will allow users to configure and save specific settings for ISO, exposure, shutter speed, and more.
• Notification Management: To combat notification overload, One UI 8.5 is expected to include features to prioritize certain notifications. Users will be able to highlight and stack important alerts on top of others, ensuring they don't miss critical information.
• Visual and UI Refinements: One UI 8.5 is likely to bring several visual tweaks, including 3D-style app icons, a floating and blurred address bar in Samsung Internet, and new lock screen clock styles. Samsung's take on "Liquid Glass" could introduce a slicker, more glossy interface with subtle 3D effects on app icons.
• Other Notable Features: Additional features rumored for One UI 8.5 include a comprehensive family sharing system, intelligent network switching, a redesigned search bar in system apps, and the return of Samsung Cloud as a gallery backup option.

Compatible Devices

Samsung's One UI 8.5 is expected to have broad device support, generally extending to devices that are eligible for the initial One UI 8.0 update. Based on this, the following Galaxy devices are likely to receive the One UI 8.5 update:

• Galaxy S Series: From the Galaxy S22 series onwards, including the S23, S24, and the upcoming S25 lineups, along with their respective Fan Edition (FE) variants.
• Galaxy Z Series: All foldable devices from the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 onwards, including the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
• Galaxy Tab Series: Premium tablets like the Galaxy Tab S8, S9, and upcoming S10 series, in addition to several FE and budget A-series models.
• Galaxy A, M, and F Series: A wide selection of mid-range and budget devices launched since 2022, such as the Galaxy A53/A54/A55, A33/A34/A35, and numerous models from the M and F series.
• Galaxy XCover Series: Rugged devices including the XCover 6 Pro and XCover 7.

As the expected release of One UI 8.5 draws closer, more details about specific features and compatible devices will emerge.