Samsung One UI 8.5 Update: Will Older Galaxy Devices Get S26 Call Screening?

The upcoming launch of the Galaxy S26 is set to introduce a new wave of Galaxy AI capabilities, but not all news is positive for owners of existing flagship models. While Samsung enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the rollout of One UI 8.5, recent reports suggest that one of the most anticipated features—AI-powered Call Screening—might remain exclusive to the newest hardware, leaving even the powerful Galaxy S25 series behind.

The Power of AI Call Screening in One UI 8.5

The Galaxy S26's Call Screening is designed to be a significant leap forward for user privacy and convenience. This feature allows the device to answer calls automatically, inquire about the caller's identity and purpose, and provide a live transcription of the conversation. Users can monitor the interaction in real-time and choose to jump into the call at any moment. Alternatively, they can type out a response which the phone then relays to the caller using a synthesized voice.

Many users expected that Samsung would follow its usual pattern of "feature trickling," where high-end software capabilities from new models are eventually ported to older flagships via major updates like One UI 8.5 (based on Android 16 QPR2). However, recent interactions on the Samsung Community forums have cast doubt on this possibility.

Disappointment for Galaxy S25 Owners

A recent inquiry on the Samsung Community platform specifically requested that the brand extend these Call Screening features to the Galaxy S25. In response, a forum moderator stated that the feature is "unfortunately" only available starting with the Galaxy S26 series. This suggests a hardware-level requirement or a strategic software lock that keeps the most advanced call management tools limited to the latest generation of devices.

While the news is discouraging for those hoping for total feature parity, the official response did offer a silver lining. The moderator noted that while Call Screening might be absent, the One UI 8.5 update will still bring a variety of other new features to older devices. This indicates that Samsung is not abandoning its previous flagships, but rather prioritizing certain AI-heavy tasks for its newest processors.

What About Foldables and Future Updates?

The exclusion of the Galaxy S25—currently one of the most powerful smartphones in Samsung's arsenal—raises questions about the rest of the lineup. If the S25 cannot support the feature, it is highly unlikely that older S-series models or A-series devices will see it. However, industry insiders speculate that the situation might be different for upcoming niche devices, such as the rumored Galaxy Z TriFold, which would likely launch with the latest software and hardware capabilities.

For now, users will have to wait for the official rollout of One UI 8.5 to see exactly which "other features" make the cut. Historically, Samsung has been generous with bringing AI features to older models, so the community remains hopeful that some form of improved call filtering will eventually become available.

What exactly is the new Call Screening feature?

It is an AI-driven tool that answers calls for you. It asks the caller who they are and why they are calling, providing you with a real-time text transcript of the conversation so you can decide whether to answer or reply via text.

Why won't the Galaxy S25 get this feature?

According to Samsung forum moderators, the feature is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. This could be due to specific processing requirements of the newer chipsets or a strategy to drive sales for the latest model.

Will One UI 8.5 bring any other improvements to older phones?

Yes, Samsung officials have confirmed that while Call Screening might be missing, the One UI 8.5 update will include various other new features and optimizations for older flagship devices.

Is there any chance this will change in the future?

While the current stance is that it is an S26 exclusive, Samsung has occasionally expanded feature availability months after an initial launch based on user feedback and software optimization.

🔎 While the potential absence of Call Screening on older devices via the One UI 8.5 update is a disappointment, it highlights the increasing gap between hardware generations as AI becomes more integrated into the mobile experience. Owners of the Galaxy S25 and other recent flagships can still look forward to a suite of new enhancements, even if the most advanced call management tools remain out of reach for now. As we move closer to the official software release, we will likely get a clearer picture of Samsung's long-term strategy for Galaxy AI across its entire ecosystem.