Samsung’s next One UI update is shaping up to be more than a routine visual refresh. One UI 8.5 is expected to push Galaxy phones toward a more polished interface, stronger AI tools, and broader connectivity beyond Samsung’s own ecosystem.
A new look centered on Liquid Glass
The most noticeable change comes from a design direction called Liquid Glass. It adds transparency, soft blur, rounded corners, and floating interface elements that make the system feel more refined and modern.
That treatment appears across core apps such as Settings, Phone, Gallery, and Calculator. Navigation bars are semi-transparent, shadows look more dynamic, and similar effects extend to notifications, widgets, and the control center.
The goal is not to erase Samsung’s identity, but to make the whole interface feel more unified. With these visual changes, One UI 8.5 is aiming to feel like a true daily-use upgrade rather than a simple cosmetic touch-up.
More freedom in Quick Panel customization
Samsung is also giving the Quick Panel far more flexibility. Users will be able to move elements around, resize them, and even change the orientation of the layout.
Those who prefer a stripped-down interface can remove certain items and keep the panel as minimal as they want. If the setup becomes too extreme, it can still be returned to the default layout easily.
This approach keeps the feature practical for different preferences without turning customization into a complicated task. It also fits the broader idea of making Galaxy feel more personal and adaptable.
AI features move deeper into calling
One UI 8.5 expands Samsung’s AI work in communications with an automatic answering feature for unknown numbers. The system answers the call, asks the caller for the purpose of the call, and shows a live transcript on screen.
That gives users time to read what is being said before deciding whether to pick up or ignore the call. Samsung is also adding a delay setting before the automatic answer starts, which can be useful when someone is busy or has Do Not Disturb enabled.
Another addition is voicemail that works entirely on-device without relying on carrier servers. While the message is being recorded, a real-time transcript appears so the user can understand the content even before the audio finishes.
Creative tools get an AI boost
Samsung is also preparing a new app called Creative Studio. It will serve as a hub for generative AI creation, letting users make wallpapers, stickers, greeting cards, and invitations.
The app can start from text, an image, or even a simple sketch. It also supports different aspect ratios and visual styles, including oil painting and illustration, giving users more room to personalize the result.
This suggests Samsung is not limiting AI to productivity or communication. In One UI 8.5, AI is also being pushed into everyday creative tasks that are closer to how people actually use their phones.
Galaxy opens up beyond its own ecosystem
Connectivity is another area where Samsung is taking a bigger step. One UI 8.5 adds a direct sharing option for Apple devices, with an experience described as similar to AirDrop.
That makes file transfer between Galaxy phones and iPhone, iPad, or Mac faster and more convenient. Within the Galaxy ecosystem, file access is also being expanded through My Files as long as the devices are under the same Samsung account.
Taken together, the changes point to a broader direction for Samsung. One UI 8.5 is being built to make Galaxy phones look fresher, handle calls more intelligently, and connect more easily with devices both inside and outside Samsung’s own world.