Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta: Apple-Inspired Design
- Seoul, South Korea - Samsung has released the first beta version of its highly anticipated One UI 8.5 update, revealing a important visual overhaul heavily influenced by Apple's...
- Where: Initially available to beta testers, rollout expected globally.
- the changes are evident across several core applications, including Settings, Contacts, Control Panel, Gallery, and Calculator.
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta: A Clear Nod to Apple’s “Liquid Glass” Design
Seoul, South Korea – Samsung has released the first beta version of its highly anticipated One UI 8.5 update, revealing a important visual overhaul heavily influenced by Apple’s design language, particularly its “liquid glass” aesthetic. The update focuses on increased clarity, lighter interface elements, and floating components, marking a notable shift in Samsung’s user interface philosophy. This move signals Samsung’s intent to compete directly with Apple on design appeal, while carefully avoiding the usability issues that plagued some earlier iterations of Apple’s more extreme transparency effects.
the changes are evident across several core applications, including Settings, Contacts, Control Panel, Gallery, and Calculator. Samsung is implementing rounded, floating bars for navigation, subtle transparency effects, and raised buttons that provide tactile feedback. However, the company appears to be exercising restraint, prioritizing clarity and usability over purely aesthetic choices.
Key Changes in One UI 8.5:
* Floating Elements: The back button in Settings and other system apps now appears as a floating element, mirroring Apple’s approach.
* Transparency Effects: The Gallery app features a slight transparency effect, offering a more modern look.
* Raised Buttons: The Calculator app introduces raised buttons with a “pop-up” effect when touched, reminiscent of Apple’s Liquid Glass.
* Restructured Navigation: Rounded floating bars are implemented in Contacts and Control Panel for clearer separation of interface elements.
* Streamlined interface: the update aims for a lighter and more streamlined interface.
| Request | Key Design Change |
|---|---|
| Settings | Floating back button |
| Gallery | subtle transparency effect |
| Calculator | Raised, tactile buttons |
| Contacts & Control Panel | Rounded floating navigation bars |
– lisapark
Samsung’s move towards a design language inspired by Apple’s “Liquid Glass” is a captivating progress. For years, Samsung has differentiated itself with a more functional, sometimes busier, interface. This shift suggests a recognition that aesthetics are increasingly important to consumers, particularly in the premium smartphone market. However, Samsung is wisely taking a measured approach. Apple’s initial implementation of extreme transparency in iOS 26 received criticism for impacting readability and battery life. Samsung appears to be learning from these mistakes, focusing on subtle enhancements that add depth and visual appeal without sacrificing usability. The success of One UI 8.5 will hinge on whether Samsung can strike the right balance between form and function, creating an interface that is both beautiful and practical. The fact that they are actively soliciting feedback through a beta program is a positive sign.
The influence of Apple’s design isn’t accidental. Reports from earlier this year highlighted Samsung’s internal discussions about adopting a more fluid and visually engaging interface. The “Liquid glass” concept, characterized by its use of transparency, blur effects, and dynamic lighting, has clearly resonated with Samsung’s design team. Though, Samsung is also mindful of past criticisms leveled at Apple’s more aggressive transparency implementations, and is actively working to avoid similar pitfalls. The company is prioritizing clarity and ensuring that the new design elements don’t hinder daily use.
This beta release is a crucial step in Samsung’s ongoing effort to refine its user experience and remain competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape. The full public release of One UI 8.5 is expected in early 2026, following a