One UI 8.5 Expands Now Bar and Improves Dual-SIM Signal UI

Samsung is deep into the development of One UI 8.5, the next major version of its Android skin set to debut with the Galaxy S26 series. Early internal builds are already revealing some of the changes in store, and two of the latest additions stand out. Samsung is upgrading both the Now Bar experience and the dual-SIM network signal indicator, giving Galaxy users more real-time information at a glance.

One UI 8.5 adds more apps to Now Bar live notifications

Since its introduction earlier this year, Now Bar has steadily grown into a powerful tool for at-a-glance updates. It surfaces real-time information across the status bar, notification shade, and lock screen. In One UI 8.5, Samsung is enhancing it with two additional activity types: Audio broadcast and Commute from Google.

Android’s Audio broadcast feature enables a device to transmit audio to multiple receivers at once. Powered by Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio), it allows shared listening — whether it’s music, live content, or media playback — with anyone nearby. With Now Bar integration, users will get real-time updates on broadcast status directly in their system UI.

Commute from Google, meanwhile, ties into Google Maps to provide ongoing travel updates. Now Bar will surface live traffic updates, delays, alternative routes, and ETA adjustments for your route without needing to open the app.

Superposed dual-SIM network signal indicator saves space

One UI 8.5 will also bring a superposed dual-SIM network signal indicator, saving space in the status bar. Currently, you get two separate network signal indicators if you have two active SIMs in your phone. You can see the new layout below. The primary indicator should reflect the network signal for SIM1.

Samsung is expected to debut One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. Development is well underway, and more features are likely to surface through leaks in the coming months.