One UI 8.5: Samsung's new design tweaks for a better user experience
Samsung's One UI is getting a makeover, and from what I'm seeing, it might be a welcome change. It appears the upcoming One UI 8.5, expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, will introduce some noticeable design tweaks to the Quick Settings panel.
From the leaks I've seen, the Quick Settings panel is set to become more dynamic and customizable. What catches my eye is the refined look of the quick settings tiles. They now sport a subtle outline, especially when disabled, which helps them stand out from the background. It’s a small detail, but I think it can make a real difference in quickly finding what you need, especially in a rush.
The background color also seems to be less saturated, which should improve visibility. And, the whole UI might be getting a glass-like aesthetic, perhaps drawing inspiration from Apple’s iOS. It's a bold move, and I'm curious to see how it plays out in everyday use. It may also be possible to resize individual quick settings tiles, similar to a feature added to Android 16, I think it will improve the user experience.
One interesting feature that could be included is the ability to decouple the volume and brightness sliders, as well as the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi buttons. Currently, you can't do this in One UI 8, giving the user more options to personalize their phone.
Now, don't get too excited just yet. The official release of One UI 8.5 might not happen until the Galaxy S26 series arrives next year. Although I have heard rumors that a beta was planned for November, it looks like Samsung has pushed those plans back. However, I'll keep you updated if anything changes.
Source: AndroidAuthority