Samsung only just started rolling out the stable One UI 8 update, but it looks like the company is already preparing its next big release. A new leak has given us an early look at One UI 8.5, showing off several user interface changes that could arrive with the Galaxy S26 series next year.
Leaked video reveals UI overhaul
A developer (@Feruzbek_101) managed to tweak an internal One UI 8.5 beta build and get it running on a Galaxy S21+. He then shared a video showcasing what Samsung has been working on, and it reveals some fresh UI tweaks across apps like Settings, Galaxy Themes, and Studio Editor.
The first change shows up right on the boot screen. Instead of the plain “Samsung Galaxy” text we’ve seen for years, One UI 8.5 introduces a new colorful logo with gradients around it. It’s a small touch, but it makes the startup experience feel livelier.
Settings app gets a redesign
One of the most noticeable overhauls is in the Settings app. Menu options now look more compact, with subtitles removed. The search bar has been shifted to the bottom for easier access, and gradients appear on both the top and bottom edges. Drop shadows have been added to containers and the search bar, giving the interface more depth.
When you open a specific menu inside Settings, the back button floats above the content with its own drop shadow—something that feels very reminiscent of iOS 26. Another subtle improvement is in the One UI Home Screen settings, where placeholder icons are replaced with real ones for a cleaner look.
Phone app and Galaxy Themes changes
The Phone app might be in line for a major UI refresh. Instead of the familiar three-tab layout, the leaked build shows a pill-shaped navigation design. This should make it easier to reach options on taller displays and hints at Samsung’s push toward a more modern and consistent UI language.
A similar pill-shaped design also appears in the Galaxy Studio app, which suggests Samsung may bring this element across more stock apps. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Themes app has been updated with a big brush icon on launch, signaling a stronger focus on personalization. Inside, pill-shaped buttons dominate the interface, aligning with the broader design changes.
Device Care and Studio Editor updates
The Device Care section is also getting a facelift, featuring card-style layouts for device health status and longer progress bars for each option. These changes make the page look more organized and visually appealing. The Studio Editor app also adopts the new pill-shaped UI style, keeping the design language consistent.
One UI 8.5 is still early in development
It’s important to note that One UI 8.5 is still in its early development stage, so not all of these changes are final. Samsung may refine or even replace some of them before the stable release. Based on Samsung’s usual schedule, One UI 8.5 is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, bringing these UI improvements and possibly more new features.
For now, this leaked video offers a promising glimpse into where Samsung is headed with its software design. If these changes make it to the final build, One UI 8.5 could feel like one of the most polished updates in years.
You can watch the complete video here.
