Samsung improves night theme in One UI 8.5 with icons that automatically darken

Samsung advances internal testing of One UI 8.5, an operating system update based on Android 16 that promises to resolve one of the main user complaints about dark mode. The company plans to launch the public beta program in December, starting in select markets.

Owners of Galaxy devices look forward to significant improvements that ensure improved visual consistency across the user interface. The expectation is that the new version of the software will bring greater aesthetic harmony and functionality to the night theme.

The primary focus of the changes falls on application icons, which often maintain light tones even when the night theme is activated. Engenheiros from Samsung are developing and testing mechanisms to automatically change icon backgrounds to black, increasing adoption of dark mode.

Visual news for icons

One UI 8.5 introduces subtle 3D shadows for icons, a feature that will be visible in both light and dark mode. Essa change aims to create an illusion of depth, differentiating itself from the flatter design present in previous versions of the interface.

Preliminary tests indicate that the functionality is automatically activated when turning on dark mode, forcing a visual adaptation in native application icons such as Galeria and Configurações. Desenvolvedores continues to refine the performance impact to ensure fluidity across a wide range of devices.

Visual consistency and user experience

The pursuit of a unified visual experience is a priority for Samsung, responding to years of feedback from the user community. The inconsistency of icons in dark mode has been a point of friction, breaking immersion and visual comfort, especially in low-light environments.

This automatic standardization of icons not only improves the overall aesthetic of the One UI, but also reinforces the company’s commitment to offering a more cohesive interface. Full dark mode integration directly contributes to a more pleasant and less disruptive user experience.

Testing and release schedule

The One UI 8.5 beta program is scheduled to begin on December 8, with the first phase covering Coreia, Sul, Alemanha and Reino Unido. Participantes selected from these markets will be the first to receive initial builds to report bugs and propose optimizations.

In the second stage, scheduled to begin on December 22, the test will be expanded to Índia and Polônia. Samsung adopts a gradual release model to collect comprehensive stability data before the final release is released.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to be released in conjunction with the upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphone line in early 2026. The strategy aims to synchronize major software updates with the brand’s cutting-edge hardware releases.

Historic demand for dark mode

Users have been pushing for a uniform dark theme since the launch of One UI 2 in 2020.

The implementation of a total adaptation of icons in iOS 18 by Apple, in 2024, intensified the debate and raised expectations for competitors in the Android ecosystem. Samsung had offered customization modules like Good Lock, but demand for a native, automatic solution remained strong.

Owners of recent models like the Galaxy S24 and S25 often point out that while the current dark mode saves up to 20% battery life on AMOLED screens, the presence of bright icons wastes some of this benefit by forcing extra brightness. One UI 8.5 seeks to fix this flaw with a forced adaptation, aligning with the Google guidelines that encourage developers to provide themed icons for a more consistent experience.

Additional Features of One UI 8.5

In addition to improvements in dark mode, One UI 8.5 introduces significant optimizations in other areas, such as Galeria, which will now feature artificial intelligence-assisted editing to remove unwanted objects. The quick settings panel will also receive modular customization, allowing users to rearrange the buttons according to frequency of use and personal preference. Outras features include:

Enhanced gallery: Inclusão of professional camera presets that can be easily shared between different Galaxy devices.

Battery saving: A new optimized network mode that promises to reduce the background activity of applications by up to 15%, extending the device’s autonomy.

Integrated search: The search bar will be repositioned to the bottom of the screen, making it easier to access with a single hand.

These features, currently in the internal testing phase, aim to provide even more fluid integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. Samsung has emphasized the importance of feedback from beta testers to make final adjustments, ensuring that the global version is stable and rich in features.

Devices eligible for the update

The One UI 8.5 update will initially launch on the latest Samsung flagship devices, including models such as the Galaxy S25 and the Z Fold 6. Expansion to other mid-range models is planned in subsequent phases of the rollout.

Current estimates indicate that One UI 8.5 could be compatible with more than 50 Galaxy devices launched from 2022 onwards. Full adoption of dark icon functionality in third-party applications will depend on their respective updates, but Samsung’s native foundation ensures out-of-the-box coverage in approximately 80% of cases.