Samsung is preparing a visual refresh for its mobile software with the upcoming One UI 8.5 . The update is set to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. While previous iterations focused on cleaner lines, the latest One UI 8.5 internal builds suggest a significant “3D-looking” design shift is coming to the most fundamental part of the interface: the app icons.
Samsung is reportedly abandoning the flat, two-dimensional aesthetic that has characterized recent One UI versions. Instead, app icons are taking on a more three-dimensional appearance. They will incorporate subtle shadows, smooth curves, and highlights that give them a more realistic, raised look on the screen.
Samsung One UI 8.5: The return of depth for app icons
The revamp moves away from pure flatness adds depth to the user interface. The new icons retain the bright gradient colors introduced in earlier One UI versions but layer on a drop shadow effect. The style makes them appear slightly raised, like physical objects. This change will arrive not just to Samsung’s stock apps but also to popular third-party apps like YouTube and the Google Play Store. The report suggests a unified visual experience across the entire system.
Below you can check out a comparison of One UI 8 flat icons vs. One UI 8.5 “3D” icons with depth effect (courtesy of Phone Art ).
For long-time Samsung users, this 3D look may feel familiar. It draws visual inspiration from the later versions of the old TouchWiz interface, last seen on devices like the Galaxy S6. While critics may argue the design choice is backward-looking, Samsung is likely aiming for a more refined and modern iteration that complements the current UI. Interestingly, this push for a more dimensional icon design aligns with similar changes seen in testing builds of iOS .
Beyond the icons: UI and performance
The icon redesign is part of a broader visual shake-up in One UI 8.5. Inside Samsung’s core applications, the bottom navigation has been updated to a compact, pill-shaped tab bar. This new bar also follows a minimalist trend by removing the text labels that were present in One UI 8 . The change results in a cleaner, less cluttered look.
However, a major visual change like this does come with potential risks. Early reports from those testing the leaked builds suggest that the heavier 3D rendering and drop shadows are stressing the hardware on testing devices. This design complexity has reportedly led to a noticeable impact on battery life.
Since One UI 8.5 is still deep in development, Samsung has plenty of time to optimize the design and performance. Hopefully, Samsung will find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality in upcoming beta updates.
