Samsung appears to be expanding its new floating search bar design to the app drawer in the latest internal test build CYJ7 of One UI 8.5, according to tipster Tarun Vats.
In current versions of One UI 8, the search bar stretches from edge to edge at the bottom of the screen. However, in One UI 8.5, it now appears as a floating element, detached from the edges — giving the interface a cleaner and more modern look.
This floating search bar first appeared in Samsung’s Settings and My Files apps, and the company now seems to be applying the same design language across more areas of the system. This move reflects Samsung’s ongoing effort to make One UI more consistent across its native apps.
We’ve also seen a similar approach in the leaked Phone Dialer UI, where the usual three tabs have been replaced by a single floating pill-shaped navigation bar, with a circular highlight for the active tab. The new design somewhat resembles the look of Apple’s iOS 16, emphasizing rounded elements and lighter visual weight.
The upcoming One UI 8.5 is expected to introduce several new design tweaks and usability improvements. While the update is still in the internal testing phase, it’s expected to debut early next year — likely alongside the Galaxy S26 series, with the Galaxy S25 lineup being among the first devices to receive the beta build.
