- System redesign: more compact settings and bottom search bar
- New 'private screen' in testing and more security options
- AI Features: Automatic Call Answering and Agents from the Launcher
- No official date: active development and release yet to be confirmed
Samsung's next major software update, One UI 8.5, is on its way , and early hints point to a package of changes focused on interface, privacy, and AI features. There's no official announcement yet, but references found in the code and leaked images of test builds indicate that development is progressing well.
Visual changes and interface tweaks in One UI 8.5
The screenshots reveal a Settings panel with new features from One UI 8 : more compact elements and a search bar at the bottom , replacing the classic magnifying glass icon. Subtle gradients are also visible along the edges, shadows are more prominent, and a Back button appears to float above the interface.
The overall design offers a more visually appealing interface , with Samsung's signature aesthetic touch and without sacrificing visual consistency with the current skin. These are small changes, but they contribute to easier navigation and improved readability.
The modifications would not be limited to the system menu: proprietary applications such as Phone, the Studio video editor, or the Themes store would receive a facelift to align their appearance with the new visual language, as detailed in the arrival of One UI 8 to devices.
The intention seems clear: to reduce touches, highlight what's important, and leave shortcuts more readily available on all screens, with more subtle animations and transitions.
Privacy and security: 'Private screen' and more controls
One of the most striking clues in the code is a 'Private Screen' mode , designed to limit the viewing angle and prevent prying eyes without resorting to physical screen protectors. The idea is that the user can activate and deactivate it on demand, following concepts from One UI 8.
This approach is related to the Flex Magic Pixel technology that Samsung showcased at MWC, which can adjust the viewing angle using AI. Although references to it appear in One UI 8.5, the final implementation could be rolled out in phases to future high-end devices.
There will also be more control over the security section: the Automatic Blocker (which protects against apps from external sources and other risks) would allow a temporary deactivation of 30 minutes for specific installations, reactivating after that time.
In terms of features, the weather app aims to restore pollen levels and make minor presentation adjustments for a clearer view of daily information.
AI and additional utilities in testing
Another new feature under development is automatic call answering , a function that would use AI to filter suspicious numbers, answer calls for us, and display a brief transcript, in line with what some rivals offer today.
The One UI launcher will include shortcuts to invoke AI agents directly from the launcher , without opening specific apps. Tests have shown references to various engines, with the aim of enabling quick queries from any screen.
In addition, Samsung is reportedly bringing back NFC file sharing as a temporary alternative to Quick Share, useful in extreme proximity scenarios or when there is no stable WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Minor changes have also been detected, including options to mitigate the risk of photosensitive epilepsy and more refined animations. There is no official release date yet: various leaks place its arrival within a broad window, from the end of this year to the next Galaxy release cycle, so we'll have to wait for confirmation from Samsung itself.
One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be an interim update with many improvements : a measured redesign, advances in privacy, more security controls, and AI features that aim to be useful in everyday use. Much of what we know comes from code analysis and leaked builds, so the details could be adjusted before the public release.
