Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Update: Premium Galaxy AI Features Now Available for Older Devices
Samsung has quietly broadened the reach of its One UI 8.5 update, rolling out advanced Galaxy AI capabilities to a wide range of older smartphones and tablets. Previously reserved exclusively for the flagship Galaxy S26 series, these intelligent tools are now making their way to devices such as the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and select Galaxy Tab models. The move signals Samsung’s commitment to democratizing artificial intelligence across its ecosystem, ensuring that users of slightly older hardware can still enjoy a cutting-edge experience.
What Galaxy AI Features Are Coming to Older Phones?
The One UI 8.5 update introduces a suite of AI-driven enhancements designed to make everyday tasks smarter and more intuitive. Among the standout additions are Agentic AI, Creative Studio, AI-powered photo editing, an upgraded Bixby, and a smarter call screening feature. Samsung’s strategy is to unify the user experience across its product lineup, extending the lifespan of older devices while keeping them competitive with newer models.
- Agentic AI: This feature transforms Bixby into a more capable assistant. Users can issue multi-step commands in natural language, and the AI will autonomously execute tasks across multiple apps—such as composing a message, setting a reminder, and opening a specific document—all in one go.
- Creative Studio: A new tool that lets users generate wallpapers, stickers, and greeting cards from photos, sketches, or text prompts. It’s a creative playground for personalizing your device without needing third-party apps.
- AI Photo Editing: The upgraded editing suite now includes background removal, object repositioning, and image generation from text descriptions. These tools rival what you’d find on dedicated editing software, all accessible directly from the gallery.
- Smart Bixby Call Screening: Unknown callers are now handled more intelligently. Bixby can answer calls from unrecognized numbers, convert the conversation into live text, and display a transcript on your screen. You can then decide whether to pick up or ignore the call, saving time and avoiding spam.
Enhanced Camera and Design Upgrades
Beyond AI features, One UI 8.5 brings notable improvements to the camera and interface design. The camera app now includes real-time LUT previews, allowing users to apply color grading on the fly before capturing a shot. Dual camera recording lets you film with both front and rear lenses simultaneously, while motion photo detection automatically captures short video clips alongside still images. For video calls, AI-based enhancements and real-time translation tools aim to make communication smoother across languages.
The user interface has also been refreshed with an ambient design language, smoother animations, and a floating navigation system. These changes give the software a more modern, fluid feel without overwhelming users who prefer simplicity.
Rollout Details and Availability
Samsung began distributing the One UI 8.5 update on May 6 in South Korea, its home market. Starting May 11, the rollout expanded to major global markets, including India, Europe, and North America. The update is built on Android 16 and is widely regarded as Samsung’s most substantial mid-cycle software refresh before the anticipated One UI 9 release. Users in eligible regions can check for the update manually via the Settings menu under Software Update, though the rollout may occur in phases depending on carrier and region.
For those holding onto older Galaxy devices, this update represents a significant leap forward. It not only introduces premium AI tools but also reinforces Samsung’s promise of long-term software support. Whether you’re editing photos, managing calls, or simply exploring new creative possibilities, One UI 8.5 aims to make your device feel fresh and capable well beyond its original launch date.
