Samsung to release major free Galaxy AI upgrade for millions of phones as older models gain premium S26 features

Samsung is preparing to deliver one of its most generous software upgrades in recent months, with several advanced Galaxy S26 features reportedly set to arrive on older Galaxy smartphones through the upcoming One UI 8.5 update.

The move signals Samsung’s continued strategy of expanding premium AI tools beyond its newest flagship devices, allowing millions of existing Galaxy users to access features that were initially expected to remain exclusive to the next generation Galaxy S26 lineup.

According to reports based on leaked internal beta builds, the One UI 8.5 rollout will introduce enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities such as upgraded Audio Eraser, Creative Studio, Call Screening, Photo Assist, and a smarter version of Bixby powered by deeper artificial intelligence integration.

Instead of limiting its latest software innovations to new hardware, Samsung appears focused on extending value to current customers. The reported One UI 8.5 update is expected to bring high end tools to the Galaxy S24 series and parts of the Galaxy S25 lineup, while foldable devices are also tipped to receive the upgrade.

This approach has become a defining part of Samsung’s mobile strategy. Over the past two years, the company has consistently emphasized making Galaxy AI available to a broader user base rather than reserving major features only for premium launches.

If the latest reports prove accurate, users of older Galaxy devices could soon gain access to tools that significantly improve productivity, communication, entertainment, and photo editing.

One of the most notable additions is the upgraded Audio Eraser tool. The feature is designed to separate voices, music, and surrounding noise in real time, allowing users to fine tune audio instantly.

That means while watching videos on platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, or Instagram, users may be able to reduce distracting background sounds or boost spoken dialogue directly from the Quick Panel.

For consumers who regularly stream content on mobile devices, this could become one of the most practical additions in the update.

Samsung is also expected to expand access to Creative Studio, an AI powered image generation and editing suite.

The feature reportedly allows users to turn rough sketches into polished digital artwork, apply different artistic styles, and create visually enhanced content without relying on third party apps.

As generative AI tools become increasingly central to smartphone experiences, Creative Studio may help Samsung compete more aggressively with rival ecosystems.

Another headline feature expected in One UI 8.5 is Call Screening.

This tool uses AI to answer calls from unknown numbers on the user’s behalf and transcribes the conversation in real time. Users can then decide whether to answer, ignore, or block the call based on the transcript.

With spam calls and nuisance numbers remaining a widespread issue globally, the feature could become especially valuable for everyday users seeking better control over incoming calls.

Samsung’s updated Photo Assist is also tipped for release with the new software.

The feature reportedly enables users to edit images through text prompts. That could include removing unwanted objects, changing clothing colours, adjusting backgrounds, or refining composition using AI assistance.

Such tools reflect the broader shift in smartphone photography, where software increasingly plays as large a role as camera hardware.

Samsung’s digital assistant Bixby is also expected to receive one of its biggest upgrades yet.

Reports suggest Samsung has worked with Perplexity AI to improve Bixby’s reasoning and conversational abilities. Beyond chatbot style interactions, the assistant may now function more like an intelligent device guide.

Users could ask Bixby to reduce eye strain, and it may automatically enable Eye Comfort Shield. A complaint about brightness at night could activate Extra Dim mode. It may also help check battery health, manage hotspot settings, or navigate menus through natural language commands.

This gives Samsung a potential advantage, as many smartphone assistants still struggle with deep device level control.

Based on current leaks, the reported list of devices expected to receive the One UI 8.5 AI features includes:

• Samsung Galaxy S24
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
• Broader Galaxy S25 series devices
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Some reports note that the Galaxy S24 FE has not yet appeared on current lists, though support could still be added later.

Industry tipsters suggest Samsung could release the stable One UI 8.5 version internationally around early May, beginning with newer flagship models before expanding further.

The update is also expected to include bug fixes covering Bluetooth crashes and occasional black screen issues during incoming calls.

That means One UI 8.5 may offer both new features and everyday reliability improvements.

Samsung’s decision to push premium AI tools to older phones could strengthen customer loyalty at a time when smartphone hardware upgrades have become more incremental.

By improving devices people already own, Samsung increases the long term value of the Galaxy ecosystem while encouraging users to stay within the brand for future purchases.

In a market where consumers now keep phones longer, software support and meaningful feature updates can be just as important as camera upgrades or faster chips.

If the reported rollout proceeds as expected, One UI 8.5 could become one of Samsung’s most important updates of 2026. Rather than focusing only on new devices, the company appears determined to bring advanced AI experiences to millions of existing users.

For Galaxy owners, that could mean a smarter assistant, stronger call protection, better media controls, and more powerful editing tools without paying for a new phone.