Samsung’s One UI 8.5 could introduce advanced spam call protection similar to Google Pixel smartphones

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After the gradual release of the Android 16-based update for its Galaxy devices, Samsung is now gearing up to unveil the One UI 8.5 update in the coming months. While no specific timeline has been announced for the release of this update, rumours suggest that One UI 8.5 will officially debut with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. A new leak has revealed that Samsung could be borrowing one of the useful tricks from Google’s Pixel lineup with this major update, which is automatic call screening.

One UI 8.5 may introduce Auto Answer to handle spam calls automatically: Key details

Currently, Samsung offers a manual call screening feature known as Bixby Text Call, which requires manual input from Galaxy users. However, folks from Android Authority have discovered codes in a leaked build of One UI 8.5, with codename Auto Answer, that might add a fully automated call screening system, which works just like the current Pixel phones. It will allow the phone to answer and filter calls on the user's behalf without any manual interaction.

This includes the ability to add unknown numbers to the auto screen list, except for pre-specified numbers or numbers in the contact list. There could also be an option to automatically screen spam and block such unwanted telemarketer calls, potentially with the help of Galaxy AI.

The report adds that Samsung will give users control over how this feature behaves, as users will be able to choose from several screening levels, including scanning all calls, unknown numbers, scam calls, or only hidden caller IDs. At the moment, this tool has only been spotted in the Korean build of One UI 8.5, and it’s uncertain whether it will be rolled out for all regions.