TL; DR
- With One UI 8.5, Samsung could bring automatic call screening, similar to that on Pixel phones, to compatible Galaxy phones.
- Samsung appears to be experimenting with an iOS-style Settings menu, where the menu text doesn’t have subtitles (as seen in the current One UI build). Other Samsung apps could also feature a refreshed look.
- Samsung could also introduce a fully customizable quick settings panel, wherein you should be able to move all the modules from their original space.
Although Samsung has just started rolling out the stable One UI 8 update (based on Android 16) for a broader range of its Galaxy smartphones, leaks about One UI 8.5 are already surfacing on the internet. The software update could debut with the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to be released in January 2026. Without any further ado, here’s a list of all the new features that Samsung could release with the upcoming operating system update.
One UI 8.5 New Features
- Automatic Call Screening: This could be one of the most significant additions with the software update. With One UI 8.5, Samsung could bring automatic call screening, similar to that on Pixel phones, to compatible Galaxy phones. As and when the feature arrives, Galaxy smartphones should be able to automatically answer calls on your behalf and get rid of spam callers (with a live transcription of the conversation on the screen). It’s worth mentioning that this feature will be there in addition to the current manual Bixby Call Screening feature.
- NFC Quick Share: This appears to be Samsung’s response to Apple’s NameDrop feature, where two iPhones exchange their contact details when brought close together. NFC-based Quick Sharing will enable a similar experience on Galaxy phones, wherein you’ll hold two phones close to each other to initiate a file transfer (accompanied by a new animation that suggests that the phones have recognized each other).
- Launcher Shortcut for AI Agents: According to reports, Samsung is developing a new launcher that will integrate a shortcut for the on-device AI Agents directly to the home screen. The features should enable users to ask questions and receive brief yet concise answers directly from the home screen.
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- New Layout for Settings Menu: Samsung appears to be experimenting with an iOS-style Settings menu, where the menu text doesn’t have subtitles (as seen in the current One UI build). Other Samsung apps could also feature a refreshed look.
- Pollen Tracking in Samsung Weather: This feature, previously available in the Samsung Weather app, may be reintroduced with the One UI 8.5 update, displaying pollen levels for grass and trees.
- Temporarily Disable Auto Blocker: One UI 8.5 could also allow users to disable the Auto Blocker for a short period, enabling them to complete the required task at hand (which may or may not involve sideloading), and then automatically re-enable it.
- Customizable Control Panel: Samsung could also introduce a fully customizable quick settings panel, wherein you should be able to move all the modules from their original space, including the horizontal brightness and volume slider (and align them vertically), as well as all the other widgets.
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- Private Display: This is perhaps the most significant feature available in the One UI 8.5 update, but only for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. Apparently, the purported handset is going to feature a Private Display, which will have a similar effect on the screen as the privacy screen guards available on the market, except that Samsung will integrate this effect directly into the display using its Flex Magic Pixel technology.
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