By Kavita Mistry 
Samsung just started rolling out the Android 16-based One UI 8 update for Galaxy S25 users across the globe. It is expected to roll out to more devices later this year, gradually. However, while Samsung fans are getting excited about One UI 8, Samsung has internally started developing and testing the next version of One UI 8, dubbed One UI 8.5. The new update is expected to debut alongside next year’s flagship series, the Galaxy S26.
There is anticipation that Samsung will remove the standard Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26+ models from the lineup and go ahead with Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The “Pro” will bring the best of both the vanilla and “Plus” models. On top of that, there will be some visual changes and enhancements packed inside, which a leaker has shared for the world to see.
Leaked One UI 8.5 Video Reveals New Features
The leaked video has been shared by the leaker and X user, That Dev. The video gives us a glimpse of all the new features that the internal build of the One UI 8.5 packs. The leaker was able to modify the internal build of One UI 8.5 meant for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and run it in the Galaxy S21+. First look reveals that Samsung has redesigned the entire Settings menu and brings an iOS 26-inspired bottom search bar and a floating back button. But there’s more to One UI 8.5, which you can check out below:
Settings menu redesign
After booting the Galaxy S21+ loaded with One UI 8.5, the leaker goes straight to the Settings menu. And by the looks of it, the Settings page appears to be more compact thanks to the removal of the subtitles. It appears more clean and straight to the point, while submenus reside inside each main menu item.
New Software Update screen
In the leaked video, the first page that the leaker opens is the Software Update page inside the Settings menu, and it appears to have been redesigned. The video shows the page boasting a big “One UI 8.5” text in the middle of the page with a gradient background. The “Check for updates” button now resides at the bottom of the page inside a pill-shaped button.
New Phone app and Direct voicemail
The Phone app is also shown to have received a redesign. The change brings the trio of buttons — Keypad, Recent, and Contacts — to the bottom of the app inside a pill. However, pressing on each of the buttons reveals that the inside UI hasn’t changed much. But continuing in the video reveals a new “Direct Voicemail” feature. Based on the description, the feature will assist the caller when you are unable to take the phone call. The caller will be asked or allowed to drop a voicemail to let you check it later.
Galaxy Themes redesign
One UI 8.5 seems to change the UI elements of the Galaxy Themes app. The launch page shows a giant brush, and the user interaction page is now filled with new pill-shaped buttons at the top.
Galaxy Studio app tweaks
The Galaxy Studio app, which is a great tool to edit your videos with stunning video editing features, is also getting a little makeover. Though there aren’t many changes in the interface, just like the Phone app, the navigation bar now has the same look, i.e., all buttons are now placed inside a pill-shaped area to clean up more space at the bottom.
AI-powered search bar
When searching for items in the Settings menu, you will notice that the AI-powered search bar now floats above the system menu (via SammyGuru). The persistent search bar is also available on the main page at the bottom of the screen. All this resulted in the removal of the top search bar.