Samsung One UI 8.5 Features: Get Lock Screen Alarm Control, a New Voice Recorder, and Smart Storage Alerts
One UI 8.5 brings major Clock, Voice Recorder, and My Files updates. Get alarm control on the lock screen and smart travel storage alerts.
The upcoming Samsung One UI 8.5 software update is set to bring major upgrades to some of your most-used native apps. Focused on convenience and a fresh look, the new features simplify daily tasks like checking your morning alarm and managing your voice recordings.
While Samsung has not yet officially announced these changes, this is a detailed look at the powerful new features expected to arrive with One UI 8.5.
Instant Alarm Control Right on Your Lock Screen
The popular Now Bar feature, which displays live app information on the Galaxy Lock Screen and Always-On Display, is getting a significant upgrade.
With One UI 8.5, the Clock app now fully integrates with the Now Bar. This allows you to manage your alarms without having to unlock your phone.
- Glanceable Info: You can quickly see the current time, your next alarm time, or details about a snoozed alert directly from the Now Bar panel.
- Quick Dismiss: Alarms can be dismissed right from this screen, saving you from fumbling to open the device when you're half-asleep.
This change to the One UI 8.5 Clock app makes those groggy morning checks much simpler, requiring just a glance or a quick tap.
A Sleek, Modern Redesign for the Voice Recorder
The native Samsung Voice Recorder app is receiving a complete visual overhaul in One UI 8.5. The changes are designed to give the app a more modern feel:
Updated Look: The main recording screen now features a more modern design, complemented by color gradients and an updated audio waveform for a smoother recording experience.
Card-Based List: The list of your saved recordings has been redesigned into a new, card-based format. While this card design looks sleek and uses color-coding for registration times, users with a large number of recordings may find this approach reduces the amount of information displayed, potentially requiring more scrolling.
New 'My Files' Alert Prevents Storage Full Messages While Traveling
Samsung is adding a smart, proactive feature to the My Files app to improve the travel experience.
When your phone detects that you are traveling (likely using location or roaming data), One UI 8.5 will send a helpful storage alert. This prompt suggests that you clean up unnecessary files before you run out of space.
This intelligent feature ensures you have enough room for all your new photos and videos and helps prevent the frustrating "Storage Full" warning from interrupting your trip.
Expected Release
Although these exciting One UI 8.5 features are currently in testing, they showcase Samsung’s commitment to improving the core Galaxy experience. The final version of the update is expected to be announced alongside the next flagship devices, likely the Galaxy S26 series, at which point all features will be officially confirmed.

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