Samsung is preparing a significant software upgrade for its Galaxy users, and this time it is not limited to its newest flagship lineup. The upcoming One UI 8.5 update is expected to bring four major AI features—originally seen on the Galaxy S26 series—to the Galaxy S24, giving millions of users access to tools that were previously out of reach. For those who decided to skip upgrading this year, this update could make that decision feel justified.
The move reflects a broader shift in Samsung’s strategy. Instead of keeping advanced AI tools exclusive to newer devices, the company is steadily expanding Galaxy AI across its ecosystem. This approach not only extends the life of older phones but also strengthens user loyalty at a time when smartphone upgrades are slowing down globally.
Four key AI features coming with One UI 8.5
The One UI 8.5 update is expected to introduce four practical AI tools that focus on everyday usability rather than experimental features. These include Advanced Audio Eraser, Call Screening, Creative Studio, and an upgraded Photo Assist.
Advanced Audio Eraser is designed to improve how users experience audio across apps. It can separate voices, background noise, and music in real time, allowing users to manually adjust each element. Whether watching videos on YouTube or streaming shows on Netflix, this feature could make dialogue clearer in noisy environments. It can also be accessed directly through the Quick Panel, making it easier to control without diving into settings.
Call Screening addresses one of the most common smartphone frustrations—spam and unknown calls. Using on-device AI, the feature can answer calls on the user’s behalf, ask the caller’s identity and purpose, and provide a full transcript. This allows users to decide whether a call is important without picking it up. As unwanted calls continue to rise globally, this feature alone could become one of the most used tools in the update.
Creative Studio brings generative AI into everyday content creation. Users can create stickers, wallpapers, invitation cards, and more using simple text prompts or sketches. On devices equipped with an S Pen, the experience is expected to be even smoother, turning rough doodles into polished designs. This aligns with Samsung’s long-standing focus on creativity, especially in its Ultra models.
Photo Assist is also getting a major upgrade. The improved version allows users to edit images using text commands, including adding or removing objects, merging elements from different photos, or adjusting visual details. Instead of manually editing every part of an image, users can simply describe what they want, making the process faster and more intuitive.
AI-powered Bixby quietly gets smarter
Alongside these features, Samsung is also enhancing its virtual assistant, Bixby, with deeper AI integration. The updated version is expected to handle more natural language commands and act more like a device expert rather than a basic assistant.
For example, users can say “my eyes are strained,” and Bixby may automatically enable Eye Comfort Shield. If the screen feels too bright at night, it can activate dimming settings without manual navigation. It can also perform device diagnostics, check battery health, or toggle system features like hotspot and connectivity. Samsung’s partnership with AI platforms is helping Bixby evolve into a more useful everyday assistant, something that has been missing in earlier versions.
Rollout timeline and beta update progress
The One UI 8.5 update has been in development for several months, with Samsung running an extended beta program. So far, the company has released multiple beta builds—reportedly up to nine—with a tenth version expected to finalize the feature set.
Early reports suggest the stable rollout could begin as soon as late April or early May 2026, starting with select regions before expanding globally. While Samsung has not officially confirmed the exact release date, the extended beta cycle indicates the company is focusing on stability and performance before the wider release.
The update is not limited to the Galaxy S24. The Galaxy S25 series is also expected to receive these features, while older models like the Galaxy S23 lineup may follow shortly after. This broader rollout shows Samsung’s intent to bring AI features to as many users as possible, rather than limiting them to a single generation.
Why this update matters for Galaxy users
The significance of One UI 8.5 goes beyond just four new features. It highlights Samsung’s commitment to building a long-term AI ecosystem. Back in 2024, the company stated its goal of bringing Galaxy AI to over 100 million users, and this update appears to be another step in that direction.
Unlike some competitors that keep new features exclusive to newer devices, Samsung is using software updates to extend the value of existing phones. This approach not only improves user experience but also reduces the urgency to upgrade every year. For many users, that could make devices like the Galaxy S24 feel relevant for longer than expected.
At the same time, these features act as a showcase of what Samsung’s ecosystem can do. Tools like Audio Eraser, AI-assisted photo editing, and intelligent call handling are practical enough to be used daily, which is where most AI features often struggle to prove their worth.
Users interested in tracking the rollout and official announcements can follow updates through Samsung’s One UI page, where details are expected to be updated as the release approaches.
For now, One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be more than just a routine software upgrade. It could redefine how Galaxy users interact with their devices, bringing smarter tools, better control, and more creative freedom without the need for new hardware.
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