Samsung’s already rolled out multiple rounds of One UI 8.5 beta testing, and the stable version won’t arrive before the Galaxy S26 launch. We’ve already rounded up all the features coming with the upcoming One UI 8.5 release, but there’s one more that might be on the way and will make your lock screen much better. Or cooler, depending on the weather.
One UI 8.5 turns your Galaxy lock screen into a live weather display
With One UI 8.5, Samsung’s testing a new feature that brings live weather effects directly to your lock screen wallpaper. Instead of staring at a static image, you’ll see rain, snow, fog, and other conditions animated in real time, based on your local weather. According to early findings shared by GalaxyClub, the feature shows up under Settings > Wallpaper & style > Lock Screen. You’ll see a new Weather option here.
Once it’s turned on, the phone uses AI to analyze the wallpaper and place weather effects behind visible subjects. That means people, buildings, and objects stay clear while the animation moves naturally in the background. It’s a small touch, but it makes the effect feel polished rather than tacked on.
As the folks at Android Authority point out, Google’s Pixel phones already offer similar live weather effects on the lock screen. Still, based on the screenshots, Samsung’s version looks more focused on realism and subtlety, which should appeal to users who prefer a cleaner look instead of flashy visuals.
Samsung previously experimented with something similar in the Labs section with Photo Ambient Wallpaper. With One UI 8.5, the feature seems ready for prime time. At the same time, I can’t help but notice how similar it is to a patent we came across.
Samsung will announce the Galaxy S26 series in late February, with shipping expected to start in March. After that, the company will roll out the One UI 8.5 stable to more devices, likely starting with the Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7.