Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta Makes Your Galaxy Feel Like a Real iPhone – Shocking iOS-Inspired Overhaul!

One UI 8.5: Has Samsung Gone Too Far with iOS 26 "Inspiration"? A Bold Redesign That's Dividing Fans

Just days after Samsung launched the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, users and experts are buzzing about a striking transformation: Samsung phones now feel remarkably similar to iPhones. Is this a smart evolution or an overreach that dilutes One UI's unique identity?

Samsung has long drawn ideas from Apple, but One UI 8.5 takes it further with clear nods to iOS 26's "Liquid Glass" design language.

Quick Settings Panel: Unprecedented Customization... With Familiar Vibes

The standout change arrives in the Quick Settings panel, offering more flexibility than ever:

• Separate brightness and volume sliders completely.
• Switch to vertical orientation for sliders.
• Add individual controls outside the collapsible panel, organized by categories.
• Freely resize and rearrange elements.

These enhancements are undeniably user-friendly, addressing limitations in previous versions. Yet, a few taps can recreate an almost identical layout to iOS 26's Control Center – complete with similar icons, vertical sliders, and edit-mode handles.

0"Early One UI Quick Settings comparison – Evolution toward more iOS-like customization over time""LARGE"

Core Samsung Apps: Borrowing the Floating Navigation Bar

The resemblances extend to stock apps like Clock, Gallery, and Phone, now featuring a bottom floating navigation bar directly reminiscent of iOS 26.

While functionally practical for one-handed use, critics argue the primary motivation seems to be alignment with Apple's design – especially as more apps are expected to adopt it soon.

"One UI 8.5 made my Galaxy S25 feel like an iPhone" – Common feedback from beta testers.

More Liquid Glass Touches Throughout

• App drawer search bar reshaped into a smaller pill.
• Settings back arrow as a floating circle.
• Glowing effects on Calculator buttons, mimicking iOS 26's liquid glass aesthetic.
• Subtle 3D icon effects and transparency elements.

6"""LARGE"

Inspiration or Imitation? Weighing Innovation vs. Convergence

Samsung isn't alone – many Android manufacturers borrow from iOS this year. But given Samsung's market dominance, the shift feels more pronounced, gradually eroding distinctive One UI elements established since 2018.

On one hand, these updates enhance daily usability and personalization. On the other, they raise questions: Has One UI lost its Android edge? Do users prefer closer alignment with iOS, or true differentiation?

Once a beacon of Android distinction, One UI 8.5 represents Samsung's biggest leap toward iOS convergence in one update.

The beta is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series in select countries. Ready to test it? What's your take on this design direction? Share in the comments!