Samsung’s new One UI 8.5 update brings big, easy-to-use changes to Galaxy S24

The next large software update for Samsung Galaxy devices, called One UI 8.5, is expected to bring many new features, especially for the Galaxy S24 lineup. Leaked previews show that Samsung is focusing heavily on making the phone easier to handle and use with just one hand, while also adding smarter tools powered by artificial intelligence.

One of the biggest visual changes is found in the Quick Settings panel. This is the menu that appears when you swipe down from the top of the screen. Instead of the usual layout, Samsung is giving users much more control. You will be able to separate the brightness and volume controls and even change them into tall, vertical sliders. This makes it much simpler to adjust them, especially on large phones where the top of the screen is hard to reach with your thumb. The tiny shortcut buttons in this panel will also be much better organized and categorized.

Many of Samsung’s own apps are also being improved to feel smoother and less cluttered. For example, the Settings app is changing. The search bar, which used to be hidden at the top of the screen, will now move to the bottom. This small change makes it immediately reachable. The Device Care screen, where you check your battery and storage, is also getting cleaned up with larger graphics and less unnecessary text, so you can see your phone’s status instantly. Even the Phone app, used for calling, is changing, with the keys for the keypad and contacts being placed inside a small, rounded box at the very bottom of the screen. This design is meant to sit right where your thumb naturally rests, making the phone far more comfortable to use.

The update also includes some smart changes to the Camera and Lock Screen. In the camera app, settings that you use often, like changing the video quality, are no longer hidden deep in a complex menu. They will be placed upfront, making them quicker to select. Plus, a new feature in Pro photo and video modes lets you hide almost all the buttons on the screen, giving you a completely clear view of what you are about to photograph. On the Lock Screen, the phone will become smart enough to recognize if your wallpaper has a person or a pet in it. It will then automatically move the clock and widgets out of the way so they don’t cover the face of your loved one or animal.

Finally, the new software improves the Galaxy AI features and how devices connect. The photo editor in AI is getting a huge boost, allowing you to create many different AI-generated images without needing to save each one individually. The system is also making file sharing across devices simpler. A new function called Storage Share is expected to let you easily open files on your Galaxy phone, tablet, or even a Samsung TV from any of your other Samsung devices. Plus, battery settings will be easier to understand, with a clearer look at how much time you have left and how you have used your phone’s power over the last week.