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Samsung One UI 8.5 First Look Leaks Online, Showcasing Fresh Design and New Features

Highlights

Samsung One UI 8.5 leak reveals a cleaner Settings layout, gradient overflow effects, repositioned search bar, and iOS 26-inspired UI touches.
Drop shadows on containers and a floating back button add depth, while a new three-column grid improves category navigation.
One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in February 2025 with OTA updates planned for older Galaxy models.

One UI 8.5 First Look Leaked. (Image credit – TheTechOutlook)

Samsung’s next big One UI 8.5 software update has surfaced online ahead of its official launch. The leak is giving us an early glimpse at its design and new features. An early build of One UI 8.5, originally spotted for the Galaxy S25 Ultra on Samsung’s test server, was reportedly modified and installed on a Galaxy S21+ by a developer, who has now shared its first look online. Here’s more on that (via TheTechOutlook).

One UI 8.5 First Look Leaked

One UI 8.5 Leaked. (Image credit – TheTechOutlook)

According to reports, Samsung has been working on One UI 8.5 since April 2025, and the leaked build offers a preview of its refreshed interface. The Settings menu now features more compact items without subtitles, giving it a cleaner layout. Users will also notice gradient overflow effects at the top and bottom edges, creating an elevated appearance from the background.

Additionally, containers and the search bar get subtle drop shadows, while the search bar has been repositioned from the top to the bottom of the screen. The search page itself now uses a three-column grid to neatly display different categories. Interestingly, several iOS 26-inspired design elements can also be seen in Samsung’s new skin.

When entering menus in Settings, the back button floats over the content while scrolling, complete with its own drop shadow for added depth. These design changes indicate Samsung’s focus on making One UI 8.5 more visually dynamic and user-friendly.

Expected Rollout and Debut

Based on leaks, Samsung is expected to debut One UI 8.5 alongside the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which is tipped to launch in February 2025.

However, a ready build of One UI 8.5 already exists for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, suggesting that after its official unveiling, the update will also roll out to older Galaxy devices via OTA updates.

FAQS

Q1. What are the key design changes in One UI 8.5?

Answer. One UI 8.5 introduces a cleaner Settings layout with compact items, gradient overflow effects, a repositioned search bar, and subtle drop shadows for added depth.

Q2. When is Samsung expected to launch One UI 8.5 officially?

Answer. Samsung is likely to debut One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series in February 2025, with OTA updates planned for older Galaxy devices afterward.

Q3. What device was used to preview One UI 8.5 before launch?

Answer. A developer modified and installed an early build of One UI 8.5, originally spotted for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, onto a Galaxy S21+ to showcase its first look online.