Samsung Unveils 3D App Icons in Upcoming One UI 8.5 Update

Samsung is preparing to enhance its mobile software with a significant visual overhaul in the upcoming One UI 8.5, set to launch alongside the new Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. The latest internal builds indicate a departure from the flat, two-dimensional designs that have characterized recent versions. Instead, the app icons will feature a more three-dimensional aesthetic, aiming to provide a fresher, more engaging user experience.

This redesign represents a notable shift in Samsung’s approach to interface aesthetics. The new app icons will incorporate subtle shadows and smooth curves, creating a realistic raised appearance on the display. This transition to a three-dimensional look adds depth to the user interface, moving away from the flatness that has dominated previous iterations. Importantly, the vibrant gradient colors that users have come to expect will remain, now enhanced with a drop shadow effect that gives the icons a slightly elevated presence.

Revamping User Experience with Depth

The update is not limited to Samsung’s stock applications; popular third-party apps, including YouTube and the Google Play Store, will also receive this visual enhancement. The goal is to create a unified visual experience across the entire operating system, which could appeal to both new and long-time users. For those familiar with Samsung’s design history, this 3D look may evoke memories of the later versions of the old TouchWiz interface, which was last seen on devices like the Galaxy S6. While some critics may view this design choice as a regression, Samsung appears to be striving for a refined and modern aesthetic.

Interestingly, this trend towards more dimensional icons mirrors similar changes being tested in recent builds of Apple’s iOS, indicating a broader industry shift towards more visually engaging interfaces.

Balancing Design and Performance

The redesign of app icons is part of a larger visual update within One UI 8.5. Alongside the new icons, Samsung is introducing a compact, pill-shaped tab bar for its core applications. This minimalist design removes the text labels previously present, resulting in a cleaner and less cluttered interface.

Nevertheless, significant visual changes can present challenges. Early reports from users testing the leaked builds indicate that the heavier 3D rendering and drop shadows may be taxing the hardware on their devices, leading to concerns about battery life. This may pose a challenge as Samsung works to optimize the design and performance of One UI 8.5 before its official release.

As the development of One UI 8.5 progresses, Samsung has the opportunity to refine this balance between aesthetics and functionality in the upcoming beta updates. Users can look forward to a more visually engaging interface while hoping that performance issues are addressed adequately before launch.