One UI 8.5 aims to be one of those intermediate versions that, although they do not change digits, come loaded with adjustments and functions. After a One UI 7 with delays and setbacks In the deployment, Samsung accelerated with One UI 8, sacrificing major new developments to regain momentum.
That apparent “savings” of changes fits with what is coming: a One UI 8.5 with new interface options, privacy improvements and AI features which, overall, feel closer to a major update. In parallel, Google has made its move with Android 16 (QPR1 and QPR2), which this version will also draw from.
Schedule: Beta in November and launch alongside the Galaxy S26
The leaks place the public beta in the last week of November. There is not official list of test models, but it is reasonable that the Galaxy S25 family has priority in initial access.
For the stable version, everything fits with a release in early 2026, coinciding with the Galaxy S26 series. This move breaks the traditional pattern, since One UI 8 arrived earlier with fewer changes and One UI 8.5 will concentrate the most visible new features, to the point of having its own testing cycle.
Visual changes: more vibrant lock screen and revamped menus
The star on the lock screen will be a adaptive clock capable of recognizing background elements (people, pets or objects) and dynamically repositioning the hour and minutes to blend in with the image without losing legibility.
The idea is reminiscent of Apple's feature, but with a more practical approach: the watch doesn't hide behind the subject, but moves around to always stay visible. In addition, there will be more typographic styles and size adjustments, along with iconography and menus that gain aesthetic coherence.
Privacy: A way to protect your screen from prying eyes
Among the protection functions stands out a mode that limits panel visibility at side anglesEverything indicates that it will depend on specific hardware and could debut on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with its extension to the rest yet to be confirmed.
Calls: Automatic AI screening and real-time transcription
Samsung will integrate a system into the Phone app automatic call screening Inspired by the Pixel. The phone will answer your call, transcribing what the other person says in real time and generating appropriate responses with the help of AI, even when Do Not Disturb mode is active.
The feature will coexist with (and surpass in convenience) Bixby Text Call, which currently requires manual activation. In Korea, they are considering up to four levels of filtering, and outside the country there may be fewer options, although with the same philosophy:
- Filter all: Automatically answer any incoming call.
- High level: Blocks unknown numbers.
- Medium level: controls suspicious, international or hidden calls.
- Low level: only intervenes in the case of identified spam or scams.
Switching phones made easy: button to transfer your eSIM from iPhone
Another practical novelty will be a shortcut in the initial wizard to transfer the eSIM from an iPhone without going through the carrier in many cases. The option will appear as "Transfer eSIM from iPhone," next to the option for Android devices.
This integration is supported by the collaboration between Apple and Google (iOS 26 and Android 16) to facilitate portability. Samsung will bring it to One UI 8.5 for Automate line migration in just a few taps, although exact availability may vary by market and carrier, and it's unclear if it will arrive in beta.
Planned compatibility and update order
If your Galaxy is already compatible with One UI 8, there's a good chance it'll receive 8.5. As usual, the latest and highest-end models will be the first, followed by foldables and mid-range models. The rumored list includes S, Z series and a wide selection of the A family:
- Galaxy S25 Series, Galaxy S24 Series, Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6/5/4 and Z Flip 6/5/4 series
- Galaxy S21FE
- Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G
- Galaxy A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G
- Galaxy A26 5G, A25 5G
- Galaxy A17 5G, A17, A16 5G, A16, A15 5G
- Galaxy A07, A06 5G, A06
- Galaxy A73 5G, A53 5G, A33 5G
After the One UI 7 setback and the acceleration with One UI 8, the plan seems clear: regain leadership in updates with an agile rollout and a version 8.5 that is not limited to minor tweaks, but adds significant features in terms of experience, security, and connectivity.
