We’re probably not far away from the launch of Samsung’s flagship phone in 2026, and we’d be very surprised if it wasn’t the Galaxy S26, even if the Galaxy S25 series still performs well in 2025.
A big part of this is the latest version of One UI, One UI 8, which was released in September. It has many AI features and has a more customizable interface.
We’ve been experimenting with the operating system for a few months now, and while version 8.5 is expected to launch with the next generation of smartphones, we have a good idea of what hardware and software features might be included based on our experience with the current operating system and leaks from upcoming One UI builds.
Here’s everything that’s included in One UI 8, what it tells us about the Samsung Galaxy S26 and what could be connected to One UI 8.5.
What was included in One UI 8?
One UI 8 launched in September 2025 and focuses on making your phone more personal through AI features and additional design customizations.
It’s still based on Android 16, but Samsung has refined the One UI 7 interface. This was a more drastic overhaul, so it’s more of a revolution than an evolution, but it looks pretty elegant.
Like many companies, AI is the focus (seriously, Samsung can’t stop talking about it), and while there’s the usual clunky custom image generation, the addition of Now Brief to S25 devices is a big win.
This brings to light important apps and processes that rely on learning how you use your phone every day, and it’s the kind of machine learning that other manufacturers have already relied on. It’s nice to see it being added to the existing lineup, but we expect it to go even further with the next generation.
How big is One UI 8.5?
While Samsung has put a lot of emphasis on pushing One UI 8.0, it can be argued that 8.5 could actually be an even bigger offering.
The new version, expected to launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy S26, is likely to introduce several pioneering new features, many of which will undoubtedly be exclusive to the newer phones.
Here’s what we (may have) learned from the upcoming new One UI updates, including new features for the Samsung Galaxy S26 ranging from camera features to faster charging and more.
Now nudge
Seemingly an extension of the Now Brief, Now Nudges have been spotted in beta builds of One UI 8.5 and will apparently build on what came before.
Automatic translations or replies are recommended, not based on the content of, say, a message, but rather based on contextual clues about what’s on your display. We’ll wait and see how far this context goes (Apple infamously messed up its lines with similar Siri promises at WWDC 24), but this could be a huge boon when you’re searching for a contact’s name when someone asks for their phone number or email address, or when you need flight information that would otherwise be hidden in your email.
A wild new privacy display
You probably didn’t expect this: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could offer a surprising new development in terms of privacy.
Flex Magic Pixel technology essentially bends the viewing angles of your screen, making it harder to read by people who aren’t directly using it. According to leaks, this can happen automatically when you use your phone in a public place like a coffee shop or on the train, and is done algorithmically.
It is 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 that virtual reality, spatial and 3D video modes will be included, bridging the gap to Apple’s own spatial recording functionality.
According to early leaks, LUT profiles are also included for professional color adjustments to recorded videos. This is big news for anyone ditching their Samsung phone for its filmmaking capabilities.
Smarter connectivity
While the AI often feels like it’s boxed in, this sounds like a winner – we’ve all been there when your phone doesn’t switch between Wi-Fi and cellular as quickly as you’d expect, but Intelligent Link Assessment and Intelligent Network Switch rely on Galaxy AI to figure out when it’s best to switch.
Mediocre Wi-Fi but full 5G signal? Your phone will make a call when you need to switch between them.
Rumor has it there’s also NFC file sharing via Quick Share, so you can swap devices and ping files and photos.
A better or smarter battery
As we reported last week, it appears the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could charge even faster.
Samsung’s code mentions something called “Super Fast Charging 3.0,” as well as a reference to “Level 4,” which could push the manufacturer up from 45W wired charging.
Rivals have offered charging speeds of 80W, 100W or even 120W, so Samsung could well be poised to push even further with its upcoming range of devices.
A question of display size
According to reports, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will get a slightly larger display, going from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches.
That’s a small difference from the S25, but could make a big difference since there’s a split view mode in One UI 8, allowing greater flexibility when using two or more apps at the same time.
While it makes more sense on a foldable device with more screen real estate, there’s definitely a chance that a version of it will make the jump to the Samsung Galaxy S26.
While you wait for the Galaxy S26, be sure to check out Samsung’s latest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Trifold, and its unique hinge system.
