One UI 8.5 could bring a Pixel-like feature to fight spam calls

Samsung is preparing several new features for One UI 8.5, which will likely debut early next year. We’ve already discussed several such features over the past few weeks. Now, a new One UI 8.5 feature has now been spotted, and it could help you fight spam calls, similar to Google’s Pixel series phones.

Bixby Text Call, which is an existing feature in Galaxy phones, can screen calls for you. However, it needs to be activated manually when you receive a voice call. Android Authority has spotted that Samsung is working on an automatic call screening feature, similar to Pixel phones. Text strings found in One UI 8.5 files reveal that users can choose to screen all calls from unknown numbers.

As part of the call screening process, the phone will answer the call for you. It listens to the person on the other end and responds automatically. This feature likely uses some form of AI to understand the caller and generate an appropriate response. Additionally, you can view what the phone and the caller are saying through live voice transcription on the phone’s screen.

In the stock dialer app, users could either choose to screen all calls from unknown numbers, scam and spam calls, or unknown numbers except specific ones. For Korean users, Samsung could offer even more call screening levels:

It’s unclear whether Samsung will offer the automatic call screening feature to all users or if it will be limited to certain regions and languages. Details will become clearer during the launch of the Galaxy S26 series early next year when One UI 8.5 will likely debut.