Samsung is actively developing the next major update to its interface, One UI 8.5, which will be built on top of Android 16. The new version is primarily aimed at solving one of the most persistent complaints from users of Galaxy devices: the visual inconsistency of dark mode, especially with regards to application icons on the home screen.
The central problem, reported extensively in online forums and communities, is that many icons keep their backgrounds light even when the night theme is activated, breaking immersion and causing visual discomfort in low-light environments. The new update promises to introduce a system that forces these elements to automatically darken.
Samsung is finally working on dark app icons in One UI 8.5. Some apps are changing their background to black when dark mode is enabled. The icons have a 3D shadow in both light and dark modes. I will share the .png files of all the new icons, as many of them are yet undiscovered.pic.twitter.com/Y4lXWdFG7L
—Galaxy Techie (@GalaxyTechie)November 26, 2025
The expectation is that a public beta program will begin in December, allowing users in selected markets to test the new features and report failures before the official launch. With this measure, the company seeks to refine the experience and ensure a stable implementation for millions of devices.
The technology behind adaptive icons
The solution being developed by Samsung involves a software engine capable of identifying and dynamically changing the background of application icons to shades of black or dark gray. Essa approach aims to ensure that when you turn on night mode, the entire home screen adopts a cohesive color palette, eliminating the high brightness spots that currently detract from the experience. The initial implementation will focus on Samsung native applications, such as Galeria, Contatos, and Configurações, to establish a standard for quality and performance. The company plans to expand support for third-party apps at a later stage, possibly through new developer guidelines in Galaxy Store.
The technical challenge lies in applying this transformation without compromising system performance or the visual identity of applications. Engineers are testing different methods, including applying a color overlay and rendering a new background in real time. Optimization is crucial for the feature to work smoothly both on high-end devices, such as the future Galaxy S26 series, and on intermediate models from the Galaxy A line, which make up a significant portion of the brand’s user base. The goal is to offer a native and automated solution, overcoming the limitations of customization tools like Good Lock, which require manual configuration by the user.
Beyond the Dark: Visual Interface Enhancements
One UI 8.5 will not just fix night mode. Outra significant visual change being tested is the introduction of subtle 3D shadows on application icons. Esse effect, which will be applied in both light and dark mode, aims to create a sensation of depth and three-dimensionality on the home screen, differentiating the interface from the flatter design adopted in previous versions. The intention is to modernize the appearance of the operating system without making it overly complex or cumbersome. Essas shadows are designed to be dynamic, subtly adapting to the lighting of the wallpaper and the icon’s position in the grid, adding a touch of refinement that elevates the perceived quality of the software. Internal tests seek the perfect balance so that this aesthetic addition not only improves the appearance, but also contributes to a better visual distinction between applications, facilitating user navigation. Samsung also explores tweaks to typography and element spacing to improve overall readability on different screen sizes.
Testing and global release schedule
The preliminary schedule for the One UI 8.5 beta program has already been outlined by Samsung. The first phase of testing is scheduled to begin on December 8, with access released to selected users on Coreia of Sul, Alemanha and Reino Unido.
A second wave of expansion is scheduled for December 22, including testers at Índia and Polônia. Esses markets were strategically chosen to collect feedback from different usage profiles and network conditions.
This gradual approach allows the development team to identify and fix bugs in a controlled manner before a larger-scale release. The stable release of One UI 8.5 is expected in early 2026, coinciding with the global launch of the Galaxy S26 lineup.
A direct response to community feedback
The decision to prioritize dark mode uniformity is not recent. Desde the release of One UI 2 in 2020, users of Galaxy devices have been using official channels and online forums to request a solution to the clear icons.
Thousands of posts annually detail how a lack of visual cohesion negatively impacts the user experience, especially at night where excessive contrast can be tiring on the eyes.
The pressure increased considerably after Apple implemented a complete icon adaptation in its operating system in 2024, raising consumer expectations to a similar standard in the Android ecosystem.
Samsung recognizes that while dark mode on AMOLED displays can save up to 20% battery life, this benefit is partially negated when bright icons force pixels to light up unnecessarily.
Performance and battery optimizations
In addition to the visual improvements, One UI 8.5 will bring optimizations focused on energy efficiency. One of the highlights is a new smart network mode, designed to reduce background app activity by up to 15% when the device is not in active use.
This functionality learns the owner’s usage patterns to more aggressively hibernate non-essential processes without compromising the receipt of important notifications. The objective is to extend battery life on a daily basis.
What’s new in the Galaxy ecosystem
The update will also improve other areas of the system. The Galeria will receive more advanced AI-assisted editing tools, including removing objects and people from photos with greater precision. Outra will be able to share professional camera presets between different Galaxy devices, allowing users to maintain a consistent photographic style.
Update compatibility and distribution
As per Samsung tradition, the distribution of One UI 8.5 will begin with the latest high-end devices, such as the Galaxy S25 series and the foldable Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Posteriormente, the update will be released in phases for mid-range models and some older devices.
Internal estimates suggest that more than 50 different models, launched from 2022 onwards, will be eligible to receive the new version. As a software improvement, the new enhanced dark mode will not require specific hardware components, ensuring that a large number of users can benefit from the change.
