Every One UI 8 Samsung Galaxy phone set for big free AI upgrade

Samsung is actively distributing One UI 8, its interpretation of Android 16, across compatible Galaxy devices, but it’s the forthcoming update that could be even more impactful. 

A report from the Korean website ETNews suggests that One UI 8.5 may introduce at least four new Galaxy AI features. 

However, the wait may be lengthy. Rumors indicate that One UI 8.5 might be unveiled with the Galaxy S26 series around January or February 2026, followed by a broader rollout in the weeks and months that ensue. 

If this is accurate, these features would mark the first significant Galaxy AI additions in over a year. Here’s what to anticipate. 

Meeting Assistant

Have you ever found yourself in a meeting with someone who speaks a language you can’t comprehend? I’m not talking about business jargon—though Galaxy AI might assist with that too—I mean an actual foreign language. 

Meeting Assistant is crafted for such situations. Supposedly, it can accurately pick up spoken language, transcribe it in real-time, and translate it into your desired language. If it performs as promised, it could prove invaluable during meetings, as well as at press briefings and interviews, provided you use headphones. 

Touch Assistant

Much like Meeting Assistant, Touch Assistant provides instant translation tools for the text displayed on your screen. Just select a portion of text as if copying it, and you’ll have the option to translate it. 

ETNews suggests that Touch Assistant also “organizes it for easier reading,” although the specifics of this have yet to be clarified. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Smart Clipboard

The Samsung Keyboard’s clipboard feature provides a handy way to transfer text without being restricted to your most recent copy. 

Smart Clipboard aims to elevate this by using AI to propose various actions for any content it holds. For instance, you might want to summarize a lengthy text, translate something outside your system’s language, or save particular words or phrases to your favorites. 

Love posting on Instagram but struggle to craft an engaging caption? Social Composer is your solution. 

This feature can analyze your uploaded images, identifying the individuals or objects within, and generate various textual suggestions. This includes captions as well as more detailed descriptions and links to recognized products.

A significant leap in Galaxy AI for free?

It’s yet to be confirmed whether all these features will be included in One UI 8.5 or if they’ll work as described by ETNews. 

Nevertheless, they could provide a major enhancement to the Galaxy AI experience on your device. Will they be able to rival the Gemini-powered experience found in Google Pixel devices? Only time will tell.

Moreover, while there’s no indication yet that Samsung will charge for these features, the availability of Galaxy AI may not be free indefinitely.

In the market for a new Samsung device? Check out our complete guide on the top Samsung Galaxy smartphones.