Samsung is rumored to be making significant changes with its upcoming One UI 8.5 update. This firmware update will bring a fresh new look to some of the core apps on your Galaxy phones. While the official release is still a while away, leaked images give us a sneak peek into the design changes that Samsung’s One UI 8.5 will introduce to the “Phone” and “My Files” apps.
The goal of Samsung seems to be to make these apps more user-friendly for one-handed use and to give them a cleaner, more modern appearance.
The Phone app is the first to receive a makeover. As revealed by SammyGuru, the most noticeable change is the navigation bar at the bottom. The three main tabs – keypad, recents, and contacts – are now housed within a single floating, pill-shaped container. A highlight will indicate which tab is currently active. This shift from the traditional separate tabs takes inspiration from Apple’s iOS. Additionally, the update includes a new feature called “Direct voicemail,” although its exact functionality remains a mystery.
The My Files app is also undergoing a significant revamp to enhance user experience. The app is reverting to circular icons for file categories, a design choice that replaces the previous pill-shaped layout. This return to a more classic look gives the app a clean and intuitive feel. The redesign extends to the “recent files” and “downloads” cards, which now sport a fresh look to match the new style.
In the My Files app, Samsung is relocating the search bar to the bottom of the screen to improve one-handed navigation. This adjustment makes it easier to access on larger displays. Another visual change involves bringing back the classic yellow color for folder icons, giving the app a more vibrant and recognizable appearance. The app will also display a PC-like folder path at the top for easier navigation.
These changes are based on a leaked, unfinished software build. The app reportedly crashes after a few seconds, indicating that there is still work to be done. The One UI 8.5 update is anticipated to launch on the Galaxy S26 series early next year. However, this early glimpse offers an intriguing preview of what’s in store. Overall, Samsung appears to be actively refining the user experience of its essential apps to enhance usability and aesthetics.