The first glimpse of Samsung‘s next major software update, One UI 8.5, has emerged in images. They offer a look at what the company is planning for the next generation of its smartphones. As many Samsung fans will already know, Samsung is just beginning the global rollout of One UI 8. However, a developer has already managed to get an early build of its successor running. Early screenshots reveal some interesting visual changes that will first appear on the Galaxy S26 series next year.
The leak comes from an internal build ported to an older Galaxy S21+ device. SammyGuru’s report shows off a series of subtle but notable design tweaks, particularly within the Settings app. The most striking change is a clear move toward a style that looks a lot like what we’ve seen from Apple.
Leaked One UI 8.5 images show some inspiration from iOS 26
The redesign includes several new elements. The search bar in the Settings menu now floats at the bottom of the screen, staying there as you scroll. Similarly, the back button is no longer a fixed part of the top banner but now floats in its own space in the top-left corner. The menus themselves also feature a new overflow gradient. This makes the content appear to fade out at the top and bottom of the screen.
These may seem like minor changes, but they hint at a more fundamental shift in Samsung’s visual language. Some are already comparing it to Apple’s latest “Liquid Glass” style in iOS 26. That said, Samsung’s version is missing the reflective, watercolor-like effect. However, the floating elements and overall feel are difficult to ignore. Samsung could be taking some inspiration from iOS 26 (such as the floating items) and adapting it to the One UI aesthetic.
It’s a familiar story for those who follow the tech world. Companies often take inspiration from their biggest competitors. For a company as large as Samsung, even a small change to a core app like Settings is a big deal. However, it’s still too early to render a verdict on this.
There may be changes in the final build
Given that this is an early internal build, it’s possible that the final design will be different when One UI 8.5 officially launches. However, these changes show that Samsung is exploring new ways to enhance its user interface. It will be interesting to see how these small tweaks evolve and how they are integrated into the broader One UI experience when the Galaxy S26 hits the market.
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