I've been keeping an eye on Samsung's One UI, and it sounds like a pretty significant update, version 8.5, might be heading to Galaxy phones soon. While the official launch will probably coincide with the Galaxy S26 next year, Samsung usually lets users test a beta version beforehand on current flagship models.

According to leaks, this beta program could start around December 8th. Now, someone has supposedly leaked the changelog, which is basically a list of all the changes you can expect. I must say, this is just a leak, so take it with a grain of salt. Things could change!

If this changelog is accurate, there are a few things I'm particularly interested in. The automatic lock screen layout is a nice touch, in my opinion. It would make customizing your phone feel a lot more intuitive. Also, it looks like Bixby, Samsung's voice assistant, is getting a major overhaul. The real question is whether it can truly compete with Google's Gemini. That's something I'll be watching closely.

For example, I remember when I first got my Galaxy phone and tried to customize the lock screen. It took me way longer than it should have to figure out the best layout! An automatic option would have been a lifesaver.

Ultimately, we need Samsung to officially announce the One UI 8.5 beta program and release the real changelog to know for sure. Until then, this leak is the best we have. It gives us something to look forward to! If it's true, it seems like a solid update.