A new One UI 8.5 build has made its way out in the wild. As you’d expect, it brings some changes, some welcome and others more debatable. Keep in mind that this is an internal build, so these changes are not final. Nevertheless, it provides a clear preview of what we might see early next year with the Galaxy S26 series.
Here’s what might change with app icons and Weather app in One UI 8.5!
First of all, the app icons have a 3D-style gradient glow. The problem is that it’s only applied to Samsung’s own apps, while third-party icons don’t use it. As you can see in the screenshot below, this makes the design look inconsistent and unfinished. It’s a clear sign that this version isn’t final, and if Samsung is planning changes, the final look will almost certainly be different.
Next up, the Weather app is also seeing visual updates in One UI 8.5. A major change is the addition of color gradients along the edges of the screen, which creates a softer and more polished look. The search bar has been moved to the bottom when you tap the search icon. On the main screen, the location name is now highlighted in a box, making it easier to spot at a glance.
That said, there are still a few weeks until the One UI 8.5 release. Hence, Samsung will take its sweet time to finalize the changes. We might see additional features arrive with the Galaxy S26 series, though it’s also possible that some won’t make it to the initial launch.
We’re digging into the new firmware to uncover more updates and will be sure to share them as soon as we can. Stay tuned.
