Samsung unveils big updates for Apps, Smart Homes, and a future software preview

Samsung has been busy rolling out new improvements for its users. From a fresh look for its helpful tips app to a major upgrade for smart home security and even a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026, here is everything you need to know about the latest Samsung news.

A Fresh New Look for the Samsung Tips App. If you use the Samsung Tips app to learn about your phone’s features, you’re about to see a big change. As part of the new One UI 8.5 update, Samsung has given the app a much cleaner and more modern design.

In the past, the app felt a bit crowded with large pink banners and thin icons. Now, it looks much more premium. The bulky banners are gone, replaced by soft, rounded cards and better spacing that makes everything easier to read. Instead of using multiple icons, Samsung is now employing a simple light bulb symbol to guide you through tips. While some long-time users liked the old style, most agree the new layout makes finding helpful tricks for your Galaxy device much faster.

SmartThings Now Supports the Latest Security Cameras. Samsung is making your smart home even more connected. The SmartThings app is getting an update to support “Matter 1.5,” a new industry standard that helps different smart gadgets talk to each other.

With this move, SmartThings is one of the first platforms to support Matter-compatible security cameras fully. This means you’ll soon be able to control indoor and outdoor cameras, as well as video doorbells, directly from the Samsung app. You can look forward to features like live video feeds, talking through the camera, and even moving the camera lens (pan and tilt) all in one place. New cameras from brands like Aqara and Eve that use this technology are expected to hit stores in early 2026.

A First Secret Look at One UI 9 Even though Samsung is currently working on One UI 8.5, a hidden clue has been discovered about the next big update: One UI 9. Inside a recent version of Samsung’s software update app, researchers found a secret image labeled “major.”

This image features a large number “9,” which many believe is the official wallpaper for the 2026 software release. This suggests that while we are enjoying current updates, Samsung engineers are already building the next generation of software, likely based on Android 17. It’s an early sign that the company is planning some big changes for the future.