A leaked One UI 8.5 suggests Samsung's biggest update is coming next month.
A huge set of new AI tools, smarter Bixby, redesigned battery settings, and more are coming with Samsung’s next software upgrade.
One UI 8.5 will include new Galaxy AI capabilities, according to informant Tarun Vats, with continuous image generation as a highlight. The Photo Assist tool will allow users to produce multiple AI image versions and view their full creation history, rather than saving each variation individually.
The update will also broaden localized AI editing, allowing users to change scenes, adjust objects, and improve minor details without manually exporting images, similar to Google's Gemini markup tools.
Bixby is receiving a significant upgrade.
Bixby is reportedly getting improvements. The assistant will now:
* Have a better understanding of natural language in conversations.
* More easily find settings and features.
* Offer access to conversation history within the app.
* Provide readily available help across different apps.
These upgrades bring Bixby closer to Google’s Gemini-powered assistant, suggesting Samsung's intent to actively compete in the next-generation assistant field.
One UI 8.5 will feature Storage Share, a system-wide tool for accessing files on a user's Samsung phone, tablet, and PC from the My Files app on their phone. This serves as Samsung’s version of a unified file cloud solution for Galaxy devices.
Samsung is also introducing new smart-device shortcuts that allow users to create a home-screen icon to instantly mirror their phone screen to a TV.
Enhanced Auracast support will offer better audio sharing, and a new Voice Broadcast option lets users stream their voice directly to Auracast receivers. These features are useful for scenarios such as group presentations.
The Battery settings screen in One UI 8.5 is being revamped, giving users a clearer view of their daily usage statistics, easier-to-read estimates, and better charging information. The standard Power Saving mode will feature customizable limits, while Maximum mode will disable all non-essential functions during emergencies.
Samsung is also enhancing accessibility features, providing more Quick Panel customization options, enabling partial screen recording, and improving Weather, Health, Security & Privacy, and Quick Share.
The beta version is anticipated to launch on December 8. One UI 8.5 appears to be Samsung’s most ambitious software update since Android 16 and may offer a preview of what to expect with Android 17 next year.