One UI 9.5 could introduce darker app icons for Dark Mode

Samsung has not yet started rolling out the stable One UI 9.0 update to devices launched before the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. However, a potential first look at the next major software iteration, One UI 9.5, has surfaced, revealing a long-awaited design tweak.

An image asset discovered in the latest update of Samsung's Nearby Devices app suggests that One UI 9.5 could bring dedicated dark mode app icons to Galaxy phones and tablets. With this design implementation, default app icons would automatically switch to dark variants whenever Dark Mode is active. This marks a big change from One UI 9.0, where enabling Dark Mode leaves system app icons unchanged.

As shown in the leaked image, stock icons for Gallery, Messages, My Files, and Phone feature a deep black background paired with colorful foreground accents. If Samsung introduces this change in One UI 9.5, it will make the home screen significantly easier on the eyes at night.

Samsung is expected to debut One UI 9.5 alongside the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027, followed by a broader rollout to eligible Galaxy devices before the end of Q2 2027. The company has already started testing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 series.