The eagerly anticipated One UI 8.5 update, based on Android 16, is set to enhance the user experience for Galaxy phone owners worldwide. Although Samsung has yet to officially announce the release of One UI 8.5, leaked firmware reveals a host of upcoming features that promise to elevate your Galaxy experience. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most exciting enhancements expected with the One UI 8.5 update.
One of the standout features in the leaked firmware is the Private Display option, designed to enhance screen privacy. This innovative feature will restrict side-angle visibility, ensuring that only the user can clearly see the content displayed on their Galaxy phones. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to debut this technology, utilizing Samsung’s cutting-edge “Flex Magic Pixel” technology, which employs AI to manipulate viewing angles. Users can choose from various privacy settings, including a “Maximum Privacy” mode that dims the screen even further, making it ideal for users who prioritize confidentiality.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung is introducing an automatic call screening feature, inspired by Google's Pixel devices. Currently, Galaxy users must rely on the manual Bixby Text Call option, which requires user interaction to screen calls. The new automatic feature will allow Galaxy phones to manage suspicious calls autonomously, providing a live transcript of the conversation. This upgrade means you can now let your phone handle spam calls without lifting a finger, while still retaining the manual option for those who prefer it.
Samsung's Quick Share function, a competitor to Apple's AirDrop, is set to receive a significant upgrade in One UI 8.5. The leaked firmware suggests an NFC-based file sharing capability, allowing users to initiate transfers by simply bringing two devices close together. This new feature harkens back to the days of Android Beam, but promises faster file transfers via Wi-Fi Direct after the initial NFC handshake. Users may also encounter special animations during the transfer process, making sharing even more engaging.
For users who suffer from allergies, the return of pollen tracking in the Samsung Weather app is a much-awaited feature. The leaked update indicates that the app will display pollen levels for various allergens, such as trees, grass, and ragweed, using color-coded leaf icons to indicate severity levels like “None,” “Low,” and “Moderate.” This feature aims to assist those affected by allergies in better managing their symptoms.
One UI 8.5 introduces a new AI shortcut in the launcher, providing users with quick access to information. This feature will allow users to ask questions and receive concise, conversational answers capped at three sentences. The code suggests that users will have the option to choose from multiple AI providers, including Gemini, Perplexity, or Samsung Gauss, making information retrieval faster and more efficient.
Samsung is also working on design changes for One UI 8.5, incorporating iOS-inspired aesthetics. Leaked screenshots reveal a more compact Settings page, with subtitle text removed for a cleaner look. The search bar has been repositioned to the bottom of the screen, and the overall user interface may benefit from updated visual elements, including drop shadows and a floating back button.
One UI 6 introduced the Auto Blocker, a security feature that prevents unauthorized apps from installing or running on your Galaxy phone. However, this feature can be restrictive for power users. With One UI 8.5, Samsung appears to be offering users the ability to temporarily disable Auto Blocker, with the option to automatically reactivate it after 30 minutes. This flexibility allows users to sideload apps or conduct quick tests without compromising security.
Another noteworthy addition in One UI 8.5 is an accessibility feature designed to assist users with photosensitive epilepsy (PSE). The system will detect flashing lights in videos and automatically dim the screen to reduce eye strain. Although this feature may seem minor, it could significantly improve the usability of Galaxy phones for individuals who are sensitive to rapid light changes.
These eight features represent just a glimpse of what is potentially in store with the One UI 8.5 update. While Samsung has not yet confirmed these enhancements, they highlight the company’s commitment to improving user experience. As we approach the launch of the Galaxy S26 series early next year, further features are likely to emerge, making One UI 8.5 a significant update for Galaxy phone users.
