Samsung One UI 8.5 Leaks: First Look at Design Changes and Features
Samsung is preparing its next big software update, One UI 8.5, which is rumored to debut with the Galaxy S26 series early next year. But fans just got an early sneak peek: an internal Galaxy S25 Ultra build of One UI 8.5 has surfaced, giving us our first look at Samsung’s latest design direction.
Here’s everything new in One UI 8.5 so far.
More Compact Settings Menu
The Settings menu has undergone a redesign:
More compact items with no subtitles for a cleaner look.
The search bar has moved to the bottom, making it more accessible for one-handed use.
Overflow gradients now appear at both the top and bottom edges.
Drop shadows have been added to containers and the search bar, giving the UI a more layered, modern look.
Redesigned Search Page
The search experience is also being reimagined:
Categories are displayed in a three-column grid layout.
This layout allows for easier navigation and quicker access to specific settings.
iOS-Inspired Visuals
One UI 8.5 takes a page from Apple’s iOS 26 design language:
When you scroll inside menus, the back button floats above the content and gains its own drop shadow.
Containers have drop shadows on both top and bottom edges, making them look elevated.
A gradient overflow effect reinforces the layered aesthetic.
Launch Timeline
If rumors hold true, One UI 8.5 will ship with the Galaxy S26 family in January 2026. With months still left until launch, we’re likely to see more leaks showcasing additional features and refinements.
Conclusion
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 appears to be a mix of refined accessibility, cleaner layouts, and subtle iOS-inspired design tweaks. While these changes may seem minor, they point toward Samsung’s broader vision of making One UI more modern, consistent, and user-friendly.
As development continues, more features — potentially tied to Android 15 optimizations and AI integration — are expected to surface.
Stay tuned for more updates as One UI 8.5 takes shape.
