Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Changelog Leaks Online – Major Upgrades Coming to Battery, DeX, AI, Accessibility and More
Highlights
One UI 8.5 brings upgrades across Galaxy AI, Bixby, battery management, connectivity, accessibility, and DeX.
The update includes continuous AI image generation, redesigned battery info and power saving modes, cross‑device Storage Share, improved Auracast, and accessibility shortcuts.
It also adds partial screen recording, weather‑based alarm backgrounds, expanded Samsung Health reports, new theft protection, refined Quick Share and richer weather widgets.
Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8.5 update has been in testing for some time. Although the rollout hasn’t been entirely smooth, a newly leaked changelog now offers an extensive look at what users can expect. The update is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series in late January 2026. Devices across Samsung’s Galaxy S, Z, A, and other lineups should receive the update later, though the exact timeline remains uncertain. Here’s what we know about the update based on recent leaks.
One UI 8.5 Upgrades (Leaked)
Caption – The leaked Samsung’s One UI 8.5 changelog. (Credit – @tarunvats33 on X)
In an exclusive post on X (formerly Twitter), tipster Tarun Vats @tarunvats33 shared the detailed list highlights improvements across Galaxy AI, battery management, connectivity, accessibility tools and Samsung DeX. Sharing the changelog in multiple image files, the tipster wrote, “The One UI 8.5 beta changelog is here! We have seen many of the changes through leaked firmware already, and they’re al there in the changelog.”
The Changelog (leaked) –
Galaxy AI
The update enhances AI image editing with Continuous image generation, allowing users to create multiple AI-generated photos using Photo Assist tools without having to save each result. A full history of creations will be available for review.
Bixby
Bixby is getting smarter with –
Improved natural language understanding, enabling users to control device settings in their own words.
Instant answers and easier information access, reducing the need to switch apps.
Conversation history, now viewable from the Bixby app’s side panel.
Connectivity
One UI 8.5 brings several powerful cross-device features –
Storage Share, enabling seamless access to files across Samsung phones, tablets, PCs—even TVs.
Faster mirroring via a Smart View shortcut on the Home screen.
Enhanced Auracast, merging broadcast and listening options into one menu.
A new Voice broadcasts option for transmitting spoken audio through Auracast.
Battery and Power
A signifiant redesign is coming to battery settings –
A new detailed battery info screen with remaining usage time, charging status, and 7-day usage insights.
A more flexible Power Saving mode with Standard and Maximum options for customised battery longevity.
Accessibility
Samsung adds multiple new accessibility improvements –
Quick control of Bluetooth hearing aids through the Accessibility shortcut.
Enhanced magnification tools that follow keyboard and pointer activity.
Dwell action and Corner actions for more tailored mouse interactions.
More Improvements Across the System
Quick panel customisation with deeper reordering options.
Early alerts for reminders, letting users choose how early they want notifications.
Partial screen recording to capture only selected areas.
Samsung DeX now remembers window sizes and positions for a consistent layout.
Clock
Weather-based alarm backgrounds for more contextual wake-ups.
A new Time zone converter built into the Clock app.
Samsung Health
Expanded weekly reports including data from medication tracking and mindfulness sessions.
A richer sharing experience for posting workout stats with photos.
Ability to start meditations directly from a Galaxy Watch.]
Antioxidant measurements via Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, even without a connected phone.
Security and Privacy
A new Theft protection feature that automatically locks the phone after repeated authentication failures.
Temporary disabling of the Auto blocker with automatic reactivation after 30 minutes.
Quick Share
Restrictions to avoid unwanted file requests, limiting sharing to devices signed in to your Samsung or Google account.
AI-powered photo sharing suggestions for people detected in images.
Home & Lock Screen
Automatic Lock screen layout to avoid covering faces or key elements in wallpapers.
More customisable clock font thickness options.
Weather
A richer weather widget with precipitation graphs.
A pollen index for trees, grass, and ragweed to help users monitor allergy conditions.
FAQs
Q1. When will Samsung release One UI 8.5?
Answer. The update is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series in late January 2026, with other Galaxy devices receiving it later.
Q2. What are the major upgrades in One UI 8.5?
Answer. Key improvements include Galaxy AI continuous image generation, redesigned battery settings, smarter Bixby, enhanced cross‑device connectivity, and new accessibility tools.
Q3. What additional features are included in the update?
Answer. One UI 8.5 adds partial screen recording, weather‑based alarm backgrounds, expanded Samsung Health reports, new theft protection, and richer weather widgets with pollen index.