Galaxy S25 Ultra gets One UI 8.5, But Several S26 Ultra Features are Missing

Samsung has officially started rolling out One UI 8.5 globally for the Galaxy S25 series, with the update expected to reach all eligible users over the coming days. The new software introduces a refreshed design, smoother animations, smarter Galaxy AI tools, and several quality-of-life improvements and new features borrowed from the Galaxy S26 lineup.

However, despite being one of Samsung’s biggest updates of the year for the Galaxy S25 lineup, One UI 8.5 also arrives with a few surprising omissions. Some of the most talked-about Galaxy S26 features are missing entirely on the 2025 models. It’s unclear whether these features will arrive later through future updates or remain exclusive to the new flagships.

Galaxy S25’s One UI 8.5 update arrives with missing features

We recently took the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s stable One UI 8.5 update for a spin and noticed several missing features. The device doesn’t have Samsung’s new 24MP shooting mode found on the S26 Ultra (review). This feature is enabled via Camera Assistant, but the app simply doesn’t have the option on the 2025 model. Both devices are on the same Camera Assistant version.

Speaking of which, the app also lacks autofocus speed and sensitivity controls on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Other missing options include Video softening and 8K recording support when screen mirroring through Smart View or an HDMI connection. Maybe an upcoming update will bring these features; we don’t know.

Likewise, the Galaxy AI menu on the S25 Ultra lacks Now Nudge and Notification Highlights. The former offers AI-powered suggested actions based on what’s on your screen. It can also recall relevant information from the past when you need it, depending on what you are doing at the moment. The latter feature, meanwhile, highlights and summarizes important notifications for quick access.

Horizontal Lock is another “big” Galaxy S26 feature missing on older models. It allows you to capture stable videos even when your hands aren’t perfectly steady. No matter how shaky your hands are, the video comes out incredibly stable. It’s the perfect tool for handheld video recording.

Samsung has historically justified feature gaps between Galaxy generations using explanations related to chipset optimization, thermal efficiency, or on-device AI processing requirements. In some cases, those arguments hold up. However, the situation with One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra feels less convincing. It remains to be seen if the company comes up with an explanation for it.