Samsung Introduces the New Bixby in One UI 8.5

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the beta program for its latest version of Bixby¹, upgraded to operate as a conversational device agent. The update makes interacting with Galaxy devices more intuitive, as users can simply ask for what they need through natural language. Additionally, it expands access to up-to-date answers from the open web.

“Since we introduced our first AI phone in 2024, we’ve been committed to making them easier to use so more people can benefit from AI — that’s why we decided to integrate a device agent directly into the experience,” said Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “To support this, we redesigned Bixby to enable more natural interactions and intuitive device control, reducing friction in everyday tasks.”

Intuitive Device Control Through Natural Conversation

Bixby allows users to control and navigate Galaxy devices using natural language, without the need for exact setting names or commands. Users don’t need to learn how device menus are structured or remember specific terms to get things done; they can simply describe what they want — or ask why something is happening on their device — in their own words. Bixby understands the intent and takes the appropriate action, reducing the time and effort required to manage everyday device settings and features.

For example, a user could say, “I don’t want the screen to time out while I’m still looking at it.” Bixby understands the request and immediately turns on the ‘Keep Screen on While Viewing’ setting — without requiring them to navigate through settings or know the feature’s exact name.

Rather than offering generic instructions, Bixby can also identify the current settings of the device and suggest various possible solutions. This reduces trial and error, helping people complete tasks more quickly, even when they are unfamiliar with the device or its features.

If a user asks, “Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket?” Bixby will use the context of the situation and bring up relevant settings, such as Accidental Touch Protection, allowing them to turn it on directly.

Real-Time Web Search Capabilities

Bixby also supports real-time web search capabilities. Now it can access live and up-to-date information, with results appearing within Bixby’s own user interface. This means people can explore topics and get answers to questions as part of one consistent and seamless experience.² Without being redirected to a separate browser or app, users can find what they need more quickly and stay focused on the task at hand.

For instance, users can say to Bixby, “Find me hotels in Seoul that have swimming pools for kids.” Bixby processes the request and provides relevant web search results directly within its interface, allowing users to explore available options without interruption or delay.

Availability

The latest Bixby updates are available in One UI 8.5 in select markets including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK and the U.S. with plans for broader expansion to follow.

On February 25, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in San Francisco. Join us as we unveil Samsung’s newest Galaxy innovations — marking a new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. EST.

Reserve now to receive a $30 credit^3,4 when you pre-order and to be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card⁵ to use on Samsung.com. Plus, receive up to $900⁶ in additional savings with a trade-in or receive a $150 credit⁷ with no trade-in when you reserve and pre-order on Samsung.com.

For more information about Bixby, visit Samsung.com.

1 Bixby service availability requires Samsung Account login and data connection. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (UK), English (US), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Spain), Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Latin America). Other supported languages may be added in the future. Not all accents, dialects, and expressions are recognized, and actual performance may vary depending on pronunciation, voice level, and the surrounding environment.

2 User’s consent to access location information is required when a response depends on it, and is requested at the initial interaction. The data will be used solely for generating responses and will not be utilized for any other purposes. All location data will be deleted immediately after the response is provided.

3 For a limited time, reserve the latest Galaxy device(s) on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App and receive a $30 Samsung Credit (“Reservation Gift”) when you pre-order and purchase the latest Smartphone device (“Qualifying Smartphone”). Pre-order and purchase of a Qualifying Smartphone is required. The Reservation Gift cannot be applied to the Qualifying Smartphone and must be used at the time of pre-order and purchase towards purchasing additional eligible products on samsung.com, or in the Shop Samsung App; any value not used will be lost. Reservation Gift will be applied automatically when you use the same email address during Reserve and Pre-order periods. The Gift is non-transferable and limited to 1 per Qualifying Purchase per customer. If you return or cancel your purchase, the discount will be forfeit.

4 For a limited time, reserve the latest Galaxy device(s) on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App and receive a $30 Samsung Credit (“Reservation Gift”) when you pre-order and purchase the latest Wearable device (“Qualifying Wearable”). The Reservation Gift will be applied to the Qualifying Wearable(s) Reservation Gift will be applied automatically at the time of pre-order purchase when you use the same email address during Reserve and Pre-order periods. The Gift is non-transferable and limited to 1 per Qualifying Purchase per customer. If you return or cancel your purchase, the discount will be forfeit.

5 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES. Void where prohibited. The Samsung Product Reservation Sweepstakes is sponsored by Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18 years of age or older. Begins 6:00 p.m. ET on 2/10/26 and ends 12:59 p.m. ET on 2/25/26. For Official Rules, visit here.

6 For a limited time only, on samsung.com or Shop Samsung App, pre-order and purchase a new qualifying Galaxy device (“Qualifying Purchase”), send in your qualifying trade-in device to Samsung through the Samsung Trade-In Program, and if Samsung determines your trade-in device meets all eligibility requirements, you will receive a trade-in credit specific to your qualifying trade-in device to apply toward your Qualifying Purchase. Device models that currently qualify for trade-in and trade-in credit amounts associated with those models are available on samsung.com and the Shop Samsung App; eligible models and amounts may change at Samsung’s sole discretion. To be eligible for trade-in, your qualifying device must meet all Trade-In Program eligibility requirements, which include, but are not limited to, that the device powers on, holds a charge, and does not power off unexpectedly; has a functioning display; has no breaks or cracks in the screen (unless a cracked screen offer applies); has no breaks or cracks in the case; has no liquid damage (whether visible or not); has no other defects that go beyond normal wear and tear; is not on a black list; has a verified FCC ID; has been reset to factory settings; has all personal information removed; has all software locks disabled; and is owned by you (leased devices are not eligible). Anticipated trade-in value will be applied as a credit at time of purchase, but, if you do not send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase, or if you send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase but Samsung determines your device does not meet all eligibility requirements, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase minus $25. Participation in this program does not excuse you from contracts with your carrier or retailer (or any related payments or fees) for the device that was traded in. Limit 1 trade-in per Qualifying Purchase. Samsung reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time. The Trade-In Program cannot be combined with any other Samsung, carrier or retailer promotions, discounts, or offers unless specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of such offers. Additional terms, including terms that govern the resolution of disputes, apply. Click here to learn more.

7 2/25/26 – 3/11/26, while supplies last, pre-order and purchase a new Qualifying Galaxy device (“Qualifying Purchase”) on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App and select “No Trade-In” to receive $150 Samsung Credit (“Gift”) towards additional, eligible products. Gift cannot be applied to the Qualifying Purchase device(s) and must be used at the time of pre-order purchase towards purchasing eligible Buds, Watches, Tablets, select accessories, select Samsung Care+ or Galaxy Ring on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App. Gift is a one-time use e-certificate; any value not used is lost. Gift is non-transferable and limited to 1 per Qualifying Purchase. If you return or cancel your purchase, the discount will be forfeit.