https://www.forbes.com/video/d2706c32-3c04-4c43-b863-c89a2968379f/
After releasing the newly AI-powered version of Bixby to millions of Galaxy devices via the One UI 8.5 beta rollout, Samsung is now releasing even more formerly exclusive Galaxy S26 features to older Galaxy phones.
Read on for more and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for instant deal alerts.
New Samsung Galaxy S26 Features Coming To Older Galaxy Phones Via One UI 8.5
A leaked internal build of the latest One UI 8.5 beta version (via SamMobile) revealed that several high-end Galaxy S26 AI tools are coming to Galaxy S24 phones, alongside the Galaxy S25 series. Specifically; newly enhanced Audio Eraser functionality, Creative Studio, Call Screening and Photo Assist.
The newly enhanced Audio Eraser can separate and optimize voices, music, and background noise as they happen. This allows users to adjust audio instantly while watching content on third-party platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram. By swiping down to the Quick Panel, there is a little pop up that offers options to dampen background noise, or boost the clarity of dialogue.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be imbued by the latest Galaxy S26 AI features. (Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Creative Studio is essentially a generative AI image editor that lets users transform rough sketches into more polished digital digital art, or change the entire artistic style of an existing image. Check out the video above, or here, to see it in action.
Galaxy S24 users will also get access to Call Screening, which is an AI assistant that can answer incoming calls from unknown numbers on the user’s behalf. It transcribes the call in real-time so you can decide whether to pick up or not.
Finally, an updated Photo Assist offers lets users edit images with text prompts using generative AI. For example, adding or removing objects, or changing the color of clothes on people in the image.
Samsung Brings Enhanced AI Bixby to Older Devices Via One UI 8.5
The One UI 8.5 beta also includes the newly AI-powered Bixby. Samsung partnered with Perplexity AI, blending their technology to handle more complex requests. This includes the standard chatbot stuff, but I’ve found the most useful thing Bixby can do now is be your device expert.
For example, instead of digging through menus, you can tell Bixby “my eyes are strained,” and it will automatically enable Eye Comfort Shield. If you mention the screen is too bright in the dark, it will trigger the Extra Dim setting. You can even ask Bixby to run a diagnostic on your battery health or toggle your mobile hotspot without knowing the specific menu paths.
MORE FROM FORBESSamsung’s Disappointing Price Update For Galaxy Phone BuyersBy Janhoi McGregor
If you pondered whether Samsung would keep some of its premium AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, at least for a period of time, as Google often does with its Pixel phones, think again.
The Korean company has been explicit for two years about its commitment to bringing as many people into Galaxy AI as possible. Back in 2024, when the first generative AI features landed, Samsung said it wanted to bring the Galaxy AI experience to “over 100 million” Galaxy users. There’s no immediate financial incentive for Samsung to do this, but relying on AI tools via your Samsung phone to get through the day nudges people further into the Galaxy AI ecosystem.
They’re also a good showcase of what a Samsung Galaxy phone can do, and that is particularly true for Bixby in One UI 8.5. The tool’s ability to help users navigate through the phone and its seemingly endless feature list isn’t something that’s available on Google or Apple phones yet.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com