Samsung Hides Secret AI Features in One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S26 Reveal

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta program is now live for testers. The software update contains several new features for compatible devices. However, key artificial intelligence functions are being deliberately withheld.

According to reports, Samsung is saving some AI tools for the Galaxy S26 launch event. This strategy aims to create exclusive selling points for its next flagship phones. The move highlights the growing role of AI in smartphone marketing.

AI Notification Summary Feature Spotted in Leaks

One of the hidden features is an AI-powered notification summary tool. It would use Samsung’s Gauss AI model to condense alerts from the past 24 hours. This tool was visible in a leaked build for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

It is absent from the current official beta release. The feature was originally planned for One UI 7 but was scrapped. Its revival suggests Samsung is refining its on-device AI capabilities for a major push.

Exclusive Features to Drive Galaxy S26 Demand

Withholding features is a common tactic for Samsung. The company often introduces new AI tools as exclusives for its latest Galaxy S series. These features then roll out to older models several months later.

This approach helps maintain buzz and perceived value for new hardware. The stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to arrive widely next year. Until then, beta testers won’t see the full scope of Samsung’s AI plans.

The full suite of One UI 8.5 AI features will likely remain under wraps until the Galaxy S26 unveiling. This creates anticipation for both the new software and the next-generation hardware it will launch with, marking another step in Samsung’s integrated AI strategy.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is the hidden AI feature in One UI 8.5?

Reports point to an AI notification summary tool. It would use the Gauss AI model to provide a concise recap of your alerts from the last day. This feature was seen in leaks but is not in the current beta.

Q2: Why is Samsung hiding these features?

Samsung typically saves some software innovations to highlight at its flagship phone launches. Keeping AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S26 at launch helps drive sales and media attention for the new devices.

Q3: When will all One UI 8.5 features be available?

The complete feature set, including hidden AI tools, should be revealed at the Galaxy S26 launch expected in February. A stable public release for older phones will follow later in 2025.

Q4: What is the Gauss AI model?

Gauss is Samsung’s own generative artificial intelligence model. It is designed to run on-device for privacy and speed, powering features like language assistance, image generation, and data summarization.

Q5: Which phones are eligible for the One UI 8.5 beta?

The beta is currently available for recent high-end models like the Galaxy S24 series and select foldables. Samsung will expand the list of eligible devices as development progresses toward a stable release.