We’re likely not far off from Samsung’s 2026 flagship phone launch, and we’d be very surprised if it’s not the Galaxy S26, even though 2025’s Galaxy S25 series are still performing well.
A big part of that is the latest version of One UI which dropped in September, One UI 8. It’s heavy on AI features and boasts a more customizable UI.
We’ve been toying with the OS for a few months now, and while version 8.5 is expected to launch with the next generation of smartphones, we’ve got a good idea about what hardware and software features could be included based on our experience with the current OS, and leaks from upcoming One UI builds.
Here’s everything included in One UI 8, what it tells us about the Samsung Galaxy S26, and what could be tied to One UI 8.5.
What was included in One UI 8?
One UI 8 arrived in September of 2025, and it’s focused on making your phone more personal through AI features and additional customization to the design.
It’s still based on Android 16, but Samsung has refined the One UI 7 interface. That marked a more drastic overhaul, so this is more of a revolution than an evolution, but it looks pretty sleek.
As with many companies, AI is front-and-center (seriously, Samsung can’t stop talking about it), and while there’s the usual clumsy custom image generation, the addition of Now Brief to S25 devices is a big win.
This surfaces key apps and processes based on learning how you use your phone each day, and it’s the kind of machine learning that we’ve seen other manufacturers lean on. It’s good to see it come to the existing lineup, but expect it to go even further with the next generation.
How big is One UI 8.5?
While Samsung has been big on pushing One UI 8.0, there’s an argument to be made that 8.5 might actually be an even bigger deal.
The new version, expected to launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy S26, is likely to introduce several forward-thinking new features, many of which will undoubtedly be exclusive to the newer phones.
Here’s what we (may have) learned from the new One UI updates to come, including new features for the Samsung Galaxy S26 that run from camera capabilities to faster charging and more.
Now Nudge
Seemingly an extension of the Now Brief, Now Nudges have been spotted in One UI 8.5 beta builds and will seemingly build on what came before.
It’ll recommend automatic translation or replies, not through the content of, say, a message, but more from context clues about what’s on your display. We’ll wait and see how far this context goes (Apple infamously flubbed its lines with similar Siri promises at WWDC 24), but this could be a huge boon for when you’re looking for the name of a contact when someone asks for their phone number or email address, or you need flight information that would otherwise be buried in your emails.
A wild new privacy display
Here’s one you probably weren’t expecting – the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could pack a surprising new development in terms of privacy.
Flex Magic Pixel technology will essentially bend your screen’s viewing angles to make them harder to read from anyone not directly using them. According to leaks, this can be set to happen automatically when using your phone in a public space, like a coffee shop or on the train, and is done algorithmically.
It’s expected to be exclusive to the Ultra model.
Camera upgrades
According to other reports, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will offer a leap forward in terms of camera functionality.
Text strings suggest Virtual Reality, Spatial, and 3D video modes will be included, which closes the gap on Apple’s own spatial recording functionality.
Also included, according to early leaks, are LUT profiles for pro-level color adjustments to recorded video. That’s big news for anyone leaning on their Samsung phone for its filmmaking capabilities.
Smarter Connectivity
While AI often feels like it’s shoehorned in, this one sounds like a winner – we’ve all been there when your phone won’t switch between Wi-Fi and cellular as swiftly as you’d expect, but Intelligent Link Assessment and Intelligent Network Switch will lean on Galaxy AI to work out when it’s best to switch.
On middling Wi-Fi, but got a full 5G signal? Your phone will make a call on when to switch between them.
Also rumored is NFC file sharing via Quick Share, so you can bump devices and ping files and photos across.
A better or smarter battery
As we reported last week, it sounds like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra could get even faster charging.
Something called “Super Fast Charging 3.0” is mentioned in Samsung’s code, as well as a “level 4” reference which could push the manufacturer from 45W wired charging upward.
Rivals have offered 80W, 100W, or even 120W charging speeds, so there’s every chance Samsung could be prepared to push further with its upcoming slate of devices.
A question of display size
Reports have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S26 will get an ever-so-slightly-larger display, rising from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches.
That’s a small bump from the S25, but it could make all the difference because there’s a split-view mode in One UI 8 that will allow greater flexibility when using two or more apps at once.
While it makes more sense on a foldable where there’s more screen real estate, there’s every chance a version of it makes a jump to the Samsung Galaxy S26.
While you wait for the Galaxy S26, why not checkout Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Trifold and its unique hinge system.
