The One UI 8.5 update won’t be available until early 2026, when the Galaxy S26 series launches. However, a leaked build is already giving us a glimpse of what the next major update might bring. There are plenty of changes, and honestly, it lives up to its name. Safe to say, it indeed looks like a proper “x.5” update. One standout feature we noticed while testing One UI 8.5 is the Private Album in the Samsung Gallery app.
Samsung Gallery could finally host Private Album in One UI 8.5
When One UI 8 was released, there were reports claiming that the Private Album had been added to the Samsung Gallery app. However, it turned out that it was only available in the app’s hidden Labs menu. The One UI 8.5 build, however, suggests that the Private Album option could finally be integrated directly into the Samsung Gallery app (via @achour_hm on X).
If and when the Private Album feature makes its way into the Samsung Gallery, it would make storing private images and videos much simpler and more secure within the app itself. Currently, alternatives like Secure Folder exist, but they are not the most intuitive or user-friendly solutions.
Samsung’s approach is reminiscent of how iPhones have long offered a Hidden folder for similar purposes. You can simply add media to the Private Album and check whenever you want to. It kills any additional apps or steps, which would otherwise require more effort.
Additionally, the Gallery Labs in One UI 8.5 now includes a Collections feature, which is further divided into Shot Types, Activity, and My Tags. You can check out the screenshots below
