Samsung appears to be wrapping up work around One UI 8.5 update as the Galaxy S26 series launch inches closer. However, the brand appears to have fast-tracked a little too fast, as it accidentally published information about a massive update coming to Bixby with One UI 8.5.
Samsung Perplexity-powered Bixby detailed
Samsung briefly published and deleted a press release where the brand talked about its new Bixby powered by Perplexity AI. This is in line with the previous Perplexity-powered Bixby rumours, which suggested a major incoming overhaul.
Fortunately, DroidLife was able to capture Samsung's words before the post was pulled. The core of the update focuses on removing friction. Unlike previous Bixby iterations that required specific commands, the new Bixby will understand Natural Language and context.
Besides, the partnership with Perplexity AI will help Bixby answer more contextual and research-based questions. The assistant will leverage Perplexity's engine to fetch real-time answers from the web. The results will appear directly within the Bixby interface, which is also being revamped with more modern hues.
Samsung's now-pulled blog post also noted that the new Bixby experience will be available starting with One UI 8.5 in select markets, with plans for broader expansion to follow. Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta 4 changelog leak includes the text "Applies Bixby update", which could allude to the new assistant.
Combined with the accidental blog post today, it suggests the brand is pretty much done working on the new Bixby. One UI 8.5 is expected to be announced in the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, which could be scheduled for February 25, 2026.
The Galaxy S26 series will be the first to arrive with One UI 8.5 out of the box, and the rest of the Samsung phones could get it in the coming weeks. More information about the improved Bixby experience should drop as the launch date closes in, so stay tuned.
