Samsung One UI 8.5 Leak Reveals Major Visual Overhaul and Customization Boost

Samsung’s next software update, One UI 8.5, has appeared online months before its official release. An early test build for the Galaxy S25 Ultra was obtained and reviewed. The software showcases significant visual changes and new customization features. This leak provides the first real look at Samsung’s 2026 software plans.

The build is unfinished and contains bugs, but it is functional. It reveals a clear direction for the future of Samsung’s Android skin. According to SamMobile, the update focuses heavily on refreshing the user interface.

Customizable Quick Panel and Redesigned Core Apps

One UI 8.5 introduces a highly customizable quick settings panel. Users can finally place toggles and widgets anywhere they prefer. The brightness and volume sliders can be switched between horizontal and vertical orientations.

The Gallery and Phone apps receive noticeable visual updates. Samsung has removed the text labels below icons in the bottom navigation bar. This change may impact usability for some users. The Gallery app now shows a preview of the latest photo in each album at the top.

The Settings app features larger spacing and smoother animations. Its search bar has moved to the bottom of the screen for easier access. The battery icon in the status bar is replaced by a simple percentage number.

A Refined, If Controversial, Step Forward

This update appears to be more of a visual refresh than a feature-heavy release. The emphasis is on modernizing the look and feel of the software. Some changes, like the removed text labels, seem designed purely for aesthetics.

However, the new level of customization, especially for the quick panel, is a significant win for users. The build lacks some rumored AI features, suggesting more will be added later. Overall, One UI 8.5 shapes up as a bold but iterative update for Samsung devices.

One UI 8.5 is not coming soon, but this early look confirms Samsung’s commitment to refining its software. The update promises a more personalized and modern experience for Galaxy users worldwide when it arrives next year.

Info at your fingertips

When will One UI 8.5 be released?

One UI 8.5 is not expected to be released until 2026. It will likely debut with the Galaxy S25 series. The current leak is from a very early test build.

What is the biggest change in One UI 8.5?

The quick panel receives a major upgrade with deep customization options. Users can rearrange toggles and widgets freely. The visual refresh of core apps like Gallery is also a significant change.

Will my current Galaxy phone get One UI 8.5?

It is too early to know for sure. Samsung typically updates recent flagship and mid-range phones for several years. Phones like the Galaxy S23 and S24 series are strong candidates for the update.

Are there new AI features in this leak?

The current test build does not include the rumored AI features like Meeting Assist. These tools are probably still in development and will be added to later builds before the final release.

Why did Samsung remove text labels in some apps?

Samsung has not officially commented. The change appears to be for a cleaner, more minimalist visual design. This follows a broader industry trend of simplifying user interfaces.