Samsung Galaxy S26 series preview leaked early with major One UI 8.5 update details

A new leak has given us a detailed look at what Samsung is preparing for 2026, and from the looks of it, the upcoming Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are turning out to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. This leak, which surfaced in an early One UI 8.5 build, not only hints at design changes, but also reveals new software details that will debut with the next-generation flagship. According to Android Authority, leaked renders from the One UI 8.5 test firmware provide our first reliable glimpse at Samsung’s 2026 premium line-up, and the visual story matches up with earlier leaks.

The Galaxy S26 range appears to have borrowed some cues from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, most notably the distinctive circular camera cutout on the slightly raised island. Although the renders are rough and fine elements like the LED flash have been removed, they are enough to give us a good idea of ​​what is going to happen.

Samsung Galaxy S26 leak: Fold-inspired design confirmed

The three devices, which are internally codenamed M1 (Galaxy S26), M2 (S26+), and M3 (S26 Ultra), have a similar design language. According to insiders, the “M” stands for Miracle, which is the internal name of Samsung’s S26 project. The renders suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have softer, rounded corners, perhaps a response to user feedback about the boxier silhouette of the existing Ultra models. However, the camera layout remains the main talking point. Like the Fold 7, the lenses are individually arranged in polished circular rings, which maintains Samsung’s signature minimalist camera look but gives it a sleeker, more uniform finish.

Although some fans may have hoped for a completely new design, this approach makes sense. It seems like the Galaxy S26 series is set to refine the premium aesthetic that Samsung has honed over the past few years, rather than refurbish it. The raw nature of the leak means that small details, such as LED flash placement or textured finish, remain uncertain. Still, it’s hard to ignore the Fold 7’s similarity, making it one of the most cohesive design languages ​​across all of Samsung’s flagship families to date.

Under the hood, expectations are high. While no hardware details were seen in the firmware leak, most regions of the Galaxy S26 lineup are expected to run on Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon processors (likely Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips), with Exynos variants reserved for select markets. Samsung will almost certainly back this up with an upgraded camera sensor and better image processing, ensuring the S26 Ultra will remain a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts.

One UI 8.5: Android 16 gets the Samsung treatment

The leak is not just limited to hardware. It also confirms that One UI 8.5, Samsung’s next major interface update, will make its debut on the Galaxy S26 series built on Android 16. Early builds of the firmware have already been spotted, with the Galaxy S25 series expected to receive One UI 8.5 beta as early as the week of December 8.

One UI 8.5 is said to be a refined continuation of the One UI 8.0 experience, more than a reinvention. Expect better animations, more efficient multitasking, and deeper AI integration in Samsung’s apps. The update reportedly strengthens system performance, refines design changes, and expands the AI ​​features introduced with Galaxy AI earlier this year. It may also include smart contextual widgets, advanced lock screen customization, and improved cross-device consistency for Galaxy tablets and wearables.

As Samsung continues to build a unified ecosystem across its devices, One UI 8.5 will likely serve as a bridge between mobile, foldable, and wearable experiences. If the leak is true, the S26 series will arrive as the first smartphones to ship with the new firmware straight out of the box, giving early adopters a full taste of Android 16 wrapped in Samsung’s latest software flair.

Although it’s still early days, these leaks offer a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. With attractive hardware, AI-enhanced software, and a clear focus on refinement, Samsung is aiming for perfection rather than reinvention of its flagship formula. If history is any guide, the Galaxy S26 series could officially make its debut around February 2026, but until then, these leaks may be as close as we get to seeing Samsung’s next marvel.