New One UI 8.5 test shows less 3D effect on app icons

Samsung appears to be rethinking the 3D-style app icons that showed up in an earlier test version of its One UI 8.5 software. A newer test build of One UI 8.5, made for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has recently surfaced. In this latest software, it seems Samsung has greatly reduced the shadows and depth effects on the icons.

Because of this adjustment, the icons now look flatter and are much more similar to the design currently used in One UI 8.0. This suggests that Samsung is still trying to find the right balance for the visual change. The initial 3D icons received a mixed response from users, so this less-pronounced style is likely part of the ongoing testing as Samsung works to finalize the new look.

It is important to remember that One UI 8.5 is still in its early development phase, meaning nothing is set in stone yet. Samsung often tries out several different visual styles before settling on the final one that will be shipped to users.

Things could easily change again before the update is ready for release. We will likely get a much clearer picture once One UI 8.5 is closer to launching, or when it is officially announced alongside the Galaxy S26 phone series early next year.