As Samsung prepares to launch the public beta for its next major software update, detailed leaks have surfaced, offering a comprehensive look at the significant changes coming to the Galaxy S24 Ultra with One UI 8.5. Based on Android 16 QPR2, the update promises not just under-the-hood improvements but a substantial visual and functional redesign of Samsung's signature interface, from the quick settings panel to core system apps.
The First One UI 8.5 Firmware Emerges
The development cycle for One UI 8.5 is officially underway, with the first internal test firmware for the Galaxy S24 Ultra being spotted on Samsung's servers. Identified by the build number S928BXXU4DYL5, this early software confirms that testing has begun ahead of the rumored beta program start date of December 8th. While it remains uncertain if the current-generation S24 series will be included in the public beta—which may initially focus on the upcoming Galaxy S25 series—the presence of this firmware indicates that the flagship from early 2025 will indeed receive the update. This leak follows a pattern of early Samsung firmware builds appearing online, similar to recent test software for unreleased devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A Redesigned Quick Settings Panel Inspired by iOS
One of the most visually striking changes in One UI 8.5 is a complete overhaul of the quick settings panel. Moving away from the static, horizontal layout of previous versions, the new design introduces a high degree of customization reminiscent of Apple's iOS Control Center. Users will be able to separate the brightness and volume sliders, resize them, and even orient them vertically. More importantly, quick toggles can now be placed outside the traditional collapsible panel, and all controls are neatly categorized. This shift represents a significant step towards a more personalized and efficient way to access device settings directly from the notification shade.
Key Leaked One UI 8.5 Features for Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Quick Settings: Fully customizable panel with vertical/horizontal sliders and categorized toggles.
- App Redesigns: Settings (bottom search bar), Files (horizontal categories), Phone (floating pill buttons), Device Care (decluttered UI).
- Camera: Reorganized settings menu; new "Pro mode" UI toggle to hide controls.
- Lockscreen: Smart wallpaper detection avoids covering faces/pets with clock.
- Galaxy AI: Continuous image generation in Photo Assist; smarter Bixby with history.
- Connectivity: "Storage Share" for cross-device file access in My Files app.
- Build & Timeline: First test firmware S928BXXU4DYL5 spotted; beta rumored for Dec 8; stable release expected on S26 series first.
System-Wide App and Interface Refinements
The update brings a wave of refinements across Samsung's first-party applications, aiming for a cleaner and more modern aesthetic. The Settings app sees its search bar relocated from the top-right icon to a prominent bar at the bottom of the screen, with descriptive text removed from category labels for a minimalist look. The Files app has been reconfigured, with top file categories arranged in a horizontal scrollable list instead of a grid. The Phone app adopts a new floating pill-style button bar for its keypad, recents, and contacts tabs, unifying the system's design language. Even the Device Care menu has been decluttered, featuring larger, more graphical usage bars for clearer information at a glance.
Enhanced Camera Controls and Lockscreen Intelligence
Photography receives thoughtful tweaks in One UI 8.5. The camera app's settings have been reorganized, bringing frequently used options like video format and storage location out of nested menus for quicker access. A new UI toggle button in Pro photo and video modes allows users to hide all on-screen elements except the shutter button and lens selector, providing an uncluttered view for perfect framing. Furthermore, the lockscreen gains a smart feature: when setting a new wallpaper, the system will automatically detect faces and pets and reposition the clock and widgets to ensure the subject is never obscured, adding a layer of practical intelligence to personalization.
New AI and Connectivity Features on the Horizon
Beyond the interface changes, earlier leaked changelogs point to meaningful feature additions powered by Galaxy AI. Continuous image generation within Photo Assist will allow users to iterate on AI-generated images without saving each step. Bixby is slated to become more context-aware with smarter device controls and accessible conversation history. A new "storage share" feature will integrate cloud-like functionality into the My Files app, providing seamless access to files across a user's Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs. Battery statistics are also getting a visual revamp for clearer insights into power usage, rounding out an update focused on both polish and new capabilities.
Anticipating the Public Beta and Stable Release
With the internal build now in the wild and the beta program potentially days away, the final shape of One UI 8.5 is coming into focus. The update is expected to make its stable debut on the Galaxy S26 series early next year, with current flagships like the S24 Ultra following afterward. The extensive leaks suggest Samsung is preparing one of its most significant mid-cycle software updates in recent memory, blending a fresh visual identity with enhanced AI functionality and user-centric improvements. For Galaxy users, the wait for a more customizable and intelligent software experience may soon be over.
