The Galaxy S25 series has adopted Google Gemini as its default voice assistant, replacing Samsung’s Bixby, but new reports indicate that Samsung is continuing to work on Bixby, with a redesigned on-screen overlay uncovered.
SamMobile’s recent reporting has brought to light visuals of the new Bixby pop-up in both light and dark themes, as shared by SammyGuru. The updated design is consistent with previous One UI 8.5 leaks and bears a resemblance to the software’s updated Quick Settings panel and Google Gemini’s on-screen overlay.
The leak focuses on visual changes, but does not provide insight into potential performance upgrades for Bixby in the One UI 8.5 refresh. A previous report by SammyGuru detailed improved integration for both Bixby and Gemini with the Modes and Routines feature. Bixby is generally considered proficient for on-device tasks, whereas Google Gemini is seen as having an advantage in handling internet-connected functions.
With the Galaxy S25 series and newer models, Gemini has been integrated directly with core applications such as Calendar, Reminders, and Notes. Further details on Samsung’s strategy for Bixby are expected when the first beta for One UI 8.5 is released. Although Samsung has not confirmed a release date for the beta program, a recent leak suggested that Galaxy device owners may be able to access it by the end of November.
This timeline is believed to allow the company to address software issues before the official launch of One UI 8.5, expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series early next year. The stable version of the One UI 8.5 update is then expected to be released for the current range of Galaxy flagships, including the Galaxy S25 series and the latest foldable devices.
