Samsung One UI 8.5: Android Is Finally Growing Up
Samsung’s One UI has come a long way from the awkward, bloated days of TouchWiz. With the release of the One UI 8.5 beta, Samsung is no longer just fixing its past mistakes—it’s actively shaping one of the most mature Android experiences available today.
While One UI is far from perfect, it has evolved into one of the most thoughtful Android skins on the market. Customization, usability, and ecosystem integration are now core strengths rather than afterthoughts.
From TouchWiz to Maturity
One UI may not be flawless, but it has grown into one of the most complete Android interfaces available. With One UI 8.5, Samsung narrows the gap not only with Google’s Android vision, but in some areas, even with Apple—especially when it comes to user control and personalization.
Interface Changes: A Smart Nod to iOS
One of the most noticeable visual changes in One UI 8.5 is the new floating tab bar. This pill-shaped UI element appears at the bottom of the screen and dynamically displays relevant actions depending on the app in use.
The design clearly echoes iOS 26’s Liquid Glass redesign, but Samsung’s implementation focuses heavily on one-handed usability, benefiting apps like Phone, Clock, Gallery, and more.
Samsung DeX Finally Grows Up
Samsung DeX receives a long-overdue improvement in One UI 8.5. The system now remembers window sizes and positions, making DeX feel closer to a real desktop OS rather than a forgetful mobile mode.
This small but crucial update dramatically improves productivity and reinforces DeX as more than a gimmick.
Good Lock: Customization Without Competition
Samsung continues to dominate Android customization through Good Lock. In One UI 8.5:
- QuickStar allows users to apply custom images as backgrounds for Quick Settings toggles
- The level of freedom here is unmatched—even Google doesn’t allow this kind of system-level customization
That said, with this much power comes risk. Overdoing customization can quickly turn your Quick Settings panel into visual chaos.
Home Up Gets Smarter and Deeper
The Home Up module receives major upgrades focused on usability and personalization:
- Adjustable widget content size
- Option to remove background blur
- Ability to merge Apps, Tasks, and People into a single Edge Panel
- Full disabling of the bottom swipe gesture
- Hiding selected apps from the Direct Share menu
Many of these features feel so obvious that their late arrival raises a fair question: why did it take this long?
Foldable Phones Benefit the Most
Galaxy Z Fold 7 users can now customize the number of favorite apps on the cover screen. It’s a small change, but one that makes One UI 8.5 particularly appealing for foldable device owners.
Photo Assist: AI Without Breaking Your Flow
Samsung is refining on-device AI photo editing. With One UI 8.5, users can apply multiple edits and review all versions at once before saving—no more interrupting the creative flow by saving every single step.
Quick Share Gets Smarter (and a Bit Creepy)
Quick Share can now recognize faces in photos and suggest sending them to matching contacts. It’s undeniably convenient—but only if your contacts actually have proper profile photos.
Storage Share: The Samsung Ecosystem Finally Clicks
One UI 8.5 dramatically improves ecosystem continuity. If you own multiple Samsung devices, you can now access your phone’s storage directly from a Galaxy tablet or Samsung TV.
All you need is:
- A signed-in Samsung account
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
This eliminates the need for manual file transfers and brings Samsung closer to true ecosystem integration.
Audio Broadcast Turns Your Phone Into a Megaphone
With support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, your Galaxy device can broadcast audio—or even your own voice—to compatible headphones, TVs, and assistive devices.
Think of it as a personal digital bullhorn built into your phone.
Theft Protection: Simple but Necessary
One UI 8.5 introduces Theft Protection, automatically locking the device after multiple failed authentication attempts using fingerprints, PINs, or passwords. It’s basic—but absolutely essential.
Final Verdict: Peak One UI or Just the Beginning?
One UI 8.5 is expected to launch globally alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.
It may not be revolutionary, but it clearly signals a shift: Samsung now treats software not as a cosmetic layer, but as a core user experience—and it shows.
