One UI 8.5 Update: Samsung Finally Fixes Annoying Dark Mode Issue on Galaxy Smartphones!

One UI 8.5 is set to introduce several changes to the interface of Galaxy smartphones. Samsung’s software layer may particularly address the most significant flaw in the dark mode, promising a more refined appearance that truly embodies a fully-realized dark mode.

When it comes to revealing details about One UI 8.5, leakers are particularly enthusiastic. With the next version of Samsung’s software layer based on Android 16 on the horizon, expectations are higher than previously thought: it may include automatic contextual suggestions powered by Galaxy AI, enhancements to the Now Bar, and a new lock screen.

As the release of the first One UI 8.5 beta is anticipated for December 8, the stream of rumors continues unabated. The latest leak pertains to the dark mode: the upcoming version of Samsung’s software layer might finally resolve its most persistent issue.

One UI 8.5 to Finally Deliver a True Dark Mode for Galaxy Smartphones

Until now, icons were majorly neglected in Samsung’s dark mode: activating it would switch the interface, but icons remained brightly styled as in light mode. Beyond aesthetics, this completely contradicted the purpose of dark mode, which is meant to enhance comfort and reduce glare by providing visual harmony.

However, with One UI 8.5, icons might finally stop resisting and fully align with the dark mode aesthetics. This is suggested by a clip shared by the leaker Galaxy Techie on X (formerly Twitter).

In the video, it is evident that the background of applications syncs with the dark mode and turns black when activated. Another update: the icons now feature a subtle 3D shadow, applicable in both light and dark themes. This confirms the rumor – previously shared in October – that Samsung is focusing on 3D icons in One UI 8.5 to add depth to its home screen.

Samsung is finally working on dark app icons in One UI 8.5. Some apps are changing their background to black when dark mode is enabled. The icons have a 3D shadow in both light and dark modes. I will share the .png files of all the new icons, as many of them are yet undiscovered. pic.twitter.com/Y4lXWdFG7L

— Galaxy Techie (@GalaxyTechie) November 26, 2025

This development should provide a more polished look to the home screen, and more importantly, it is part of a broader strategy by Google, which recently mandated the “Themed Icons” feature: the tech giant has updated the Play Store policy to force developers to allow users to customize their icon colors.