Samsung Messages Gets a Flashy New Look in One UI 8.5

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Samsung is moving full steam ahead with development of its next big software update, One UI 8.5. As part of that work, the company is also giving some attention to an often-forgotten app — Samsung Messages — which is set to get a fresh new update.

A fancy new Samsung Messages icon emerges in One UI 8.5

One UI 8.5 seems to bring many redesigned app icons, and Samsung Messages is definitely one of them. The new icon features drop shadows and bevels that give it a three-dimensional look. The colors have also been slightly tweaked, with the blue background being a bit lighter. Here’s a comparison against the older One UI 8.0 icon.

Samsung Messages gets new floating elements

Many of the same UI elements you have seen across other One UI 8.5 apps make their way over to the updated Samsung Messages. The floating navigation bar, with labels, the faded gradient overflows, the floating Gallery icon when attaching an image to a chat. It’s all here.

The chat viewer looks slightly different too. The chat and menu buttons are now filled and float above the content, similar to other One UI 8.5 apps. In this case, the chat profile picture and name also float in their own container. There’s also a gradient overflow at the top.

Overall, this update is largely cosmetic, but still fantastic nonetheless. Samsung Messages remains an important app (and yes, it supports RCS messaging), especially for users in countries where Google services aren’t supported and Google Messages isn’t an option. So it makes sense that Samsung would want to update this app with its latest design language. Which app will be refreshed next? Stay tuned to find out.

Thanks @DaRealManMikey for the assistance!

Written by

Josh Skinner

Josh is a freelance writer, graphic and user interface designer, and content creator. He has a sizable following on Twitter/X, with his deep insights, extensive knowledge and design skills attracting audiences. He also loves lego, video games and tech as a whole.

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