C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Android 16-based One UI 8 is just starting to roll out to Galaxy phones worldwide, and Samsung hasn’t officially announced anything about One UI 8.5 yet. However, we and a few other folks got our hands on a leaked firmware build that reveals several upcoming features for your Galaxy phones. While we’ve already written about these features individually, here’s a quick roundup of the most exciting new features coming to your Galaxy phones when the One UI 8.5 update eventually lands.
1. Private Display for better screen privacy
Joe Maring / Android Authority
Samsung seems to be preparing a new feature called Private Display (or Privacy Display), which will make it harder for people around you to peek inside your screen. The feature is supposed to limit visibility from side angles, so only you can clearly see what’s on the display. This looks like it will debut on the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is rumored to use Samsung’s “Flex Magic Pixel” technology. That tech uses AI to control viewing angles, adjusting pixels so they’re not as visible to people sitting next to you. According to the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware, users will be able to pick between different privacy levels, including a “Maximum Privacy” option that dims the screen even further.
2. Automatic call screening
Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority
Right now, Galaxy users rely on Bixby Text Call to manually screen calls. You tap a button when someone calls, and Bixby asks why they’re calling before you decide to pick up the phone. It works with both contacts and unknown numbers, but it requires your manual input every time.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung appears to be bringing Pixel-inspired automatic call screening for Galaxy phones. Code in the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware indicates that your Galaxy phones will automatically handle suspicious calls on your behalf and show you a live transcript of the conversation. This way, you won’t need to lift a finger if an incoming call from an unknown number is likely to be spam. The manual Bixby Text Call option will still remain for people who prefer to trigger call screening themselves.
3. NFC-based Quick Share transfers
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