What One UI 8.5 changed—and why features seem missing
One UI 8.5 missing features refers to tools and options that were removed, hidden, or limited by Samsung’s latest software update, but that users can often restore through settings tweaks or app-level workarounds without a factory reset. The update brings a cleaner Quick Settings panel, new Galaxy AI tricks, and more cohesive menus, but many Galaxy S23 owners immediately noticed gaps. AirDrop-compatible file sharing is absent on the S23 line even though newer flagships offer it, leading some users to accuse Samsung of “planned obsolescence.” Galaxy S23 Ultra users also find trimmed-down Galaxy AI features compared with newer devices, while others are dealing with broken dark mode and altered Samsung Keyboard behavior. The good news: in most cases, you can fix or work around these problems with targeted settings changes rather than drastic steps.
Broken dark mode on Google apps: quick One UI 8.5 fixes
After updating, many users report Samsung dark mode broken in Google apps, showing a messy mix of black, dark gray, and light gray elements instead of a consistent theme. This glitch stems from a clash between Samsung’s new default color palette and Google’s Material You styling. Power users can rely on tools like a Shizuku fork to revert the color behavior closer to pre–One UI 8.5, which restores more coherent dark styling across affected apps. If that sounds too technical, there is a safer workaround: open Settings, go to Wallpaper and style, then adjust the Color Palette tied to your wallpaper. Apply a darker set of tones and re-open your Google apps; many users say this reduces or removes the visual mismatch. You can repeat these steps after wallpaper changes, and also report the bug through the Samsung Members app so it remains on Samsung’s radar.
How to resize Samsung Keyboard in One UI 8.5 now
One UI 8.5 removes the Keyboard Size shortcut from the Samsung Keyboard toolbar, making it look like resizing is gone, but the feature still exists deeper in settings. To resize your keyboard, open any text field to bring up Samsung Keyboard, then tap the settings cog icon on the toolbar. Go to Samsung Keyboard settings, look for the Layout or Size and transparency option, and open Keyboard Size. You’ll see the familiar resize handles from earlier versions, so you can drag the keyboard taller, shorter, wider, or narrower to suit your grip. When you’re happy with the layout, tap Done. This adds a couple of extra taps compared with the old toolbar shortcut, but functionally nothing else has changed. If you miss the old behavior, consider pinning the keyboard settings icon on the toolbar so access stays one tap away inside your typing workflow.
Missing Galaxy S23 Ultra AI tools and what you can still do
Galaxy S23 Ultra owners received One UI 8.5 but not the full suite of Galaxy AI upgrades available on newer models. Call assist works, yet it lacks call screening capabilities that can automatically handle or filter incoming calls. In the Photos app, the Photo assist create tab no longer includes a text icon, cutting off some text-driven edit options. The new style tab for Galaxy AI edits is also missing, so you cannot turn images into watercolor-style artwork or similar effects offered on newer devices. Audio eraser for videos has not arrived either, so unwanted background audio still requires third-party editors. While there is no settings hack to restore these omissions, you can still rely on the existing Call assist tools, standard editing features, and external photo or video apps to fill the gaps while waiting to see if Samsung expands Galaxy AI support in future updates.
AirDrop-style sharing and other Galaxy S23 workarounds
A key frustration for Galaxy S23 users is that One UI 8.5 does not provide AirDrop compatibility even though newer Samsung devices can share files with Apple devices this way. Some users point out that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s FastConnect 7800 system should handle the wireless stack needed for Apple Wireless Direct Link, yet Samsung and Google have not enabled it on the S23. There is no hidden toggle or safe mod to bring this feature to your phone today. Instead, rely on Galaxy S23 workarounds: use existing cross‑platform tools like email attachments, cloud storage links, or messaging apps to move files between Android and Apple devices. For Samsung-to-Samsung transfers, use Quick Share, and for Android devices in general, continue using Android’s built‑in sharing tools. Combine these habits with the dark mode and keyboard fixes above, and you can keep One UI 8.5 without a downgrade or factory reset.