Samsung just launched the beta program for One UI 8.5 , and the early preview shows a noticeable influence of Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign. Several elements in the UI now have floating controls, softened visuals, and increased transparency across several first-party apps.
One UI 8.5 brings Liquid Glass-like redesign elements to the UI
One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most visually appealing software versions. It introduces the new, lighter, and more fluid UI elements across the software. A new floating back button can now be spotted on the Settings app and several other system apps. This change further hints at the Liquid Glass designs’ influence on the new design philosophy of the Korean tech giant.
Further, Samsung has also reworked navigation elements on its official apps. Rounded floating bars now appear in places such as the dialer. It creates a sense of separation from the background while maintaining a readable layout. Additional tweaks will expand this new design language to several other apps. For instance, the Gallery app now includes a subtle transparency effect that gives it a modern look.
Most first-party apps have been redesigned to adapt to the new design language
One of the most noticeable design changes appears in the Calculator app. It now uses raised buttons with a pop-up tap appearance, similar to Apple ‘s Liquid Glass. However, the 3D effects are used in a controlled manner. Samsung is avoiding the use of high transparency to maintain readability. Instead, the company focuses on subtle visual enhancements that add depth to the software.
Samsung is targeting a shift towards a more modern and lighter UI redesign. However, early reactions to this new design language are mixed. While some users have praised it, many others have criticized the widening aesthetic gap between Samsung’s interface and Google ’s popular Material 3 Expressive. The full rollout of the One UI 8.5 is expected to begin in 2026, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
