Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy smartphones are still a few months off, yet conversations surrounding software updates have commenced. Leaks and reports concerning One UI 8.5, the next significant Android update from Samsung, are making the rounds. It’s anticipated to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series, probably in January. Here are some expected features of One UI 8.5.

1. **Samsung’s Variant of Liquid Glass**: Although not as extensive as Apple’s Liquid Glass, One UI 8.5 brings visual enhancements such as a smoother, shinier appearance with 3D app icons and updates to applications like Digital Wellbeing and Gallery.

2. **Thorough Family Sharing**: New family sharing functionalities enable users to form a family group in the Settings app, share payment methods, monitor locations, and exchange health data. A requests page allows family members to propose app purchases, awaiting approval.

3. **Screen Privacy**: A new screen privacy functionality activates in crowded areas when accessing sensitive applications, rendering the screen unreadable to those nearby. Specifics regarding its operation remain unclear.

4. **Smart Network Switching**: The operating system can automatically alternate between WiFi and cellular data for enhanced connectivity, particularly beneficial for managing large files.

**Extra Feature**: There is potential for support of spatial photos and videos, as mentions of “3D, VR, and spatial media” have been discovered in the Camera app’s code. This could indicate major camera enhancements, in line with the upcoming Project Moohan.

Further features will be disclosed in due course. Stay tuned.