Samsung’s upcoming software update, One UI 8.5, has just surfaced in a leaked internal build, giving us an early look at what users can expect on the Galaxy S26 lineup in 2026. The images, reportedly ported onto an older Galaxy S21+ device, reveal a series of notable design changes—and they strongly resemble elements found in Apple’s latest iOS 26.
iOS-inspired visual tweaks
The most striking change in the screenshots is the floating search bar within the Settings app. Unlike before, the search bar now stays pinned to the bottom of the display, even while scrolling—visibly borrowing from Apple’s design playbook.
Samsung has also reworked the back button, moving it from its traditional position in the top banner to a floating element in the top-left corner. In addition, menus now display a gradient overflow effect, causing content at the top and bottom of the screen to fade out smoothly. The result is a more fluid, visually layered interface that hints at a fundamental shift in design language for One UI.
Comparisons with iOS 26
These tweaks have drawn inevitable comparisons to Apple’s “Liquid Glass” aesthetic in iOS 26. While Samsung’s version lacks the watercolor-like reflective styling, the floating elements and smooth fades clearly echo Apple’s approach. This suggests that, like many times before, Samsung may be adapting rival features while preserving its own One UI identity.
Too early for conclusions
Of course, this leaked build should be treated cautiously. Samsung has only just begun rolling out One UI 8 globally, and One UI 8.5 is still in early development. The final design may look significantly different when it officially debuts alongside the Galaxy S26 next year.
Still, these leaks make one thing clear: Samsung is experimenting with bold interface changes, potentially making One UI feel fresher and more modern compared to its previous iterative updates. Whether fans embrace the iOS-style influences—or see them as a step away from Samsung’s distinct design—is a debate that will likely continue until the software is officially unveiled.