Samsung has recently begun beta testing One UI 8, which is based on Android 16, just a few months after launching the stable One UI 7 update for its Galaxy devices. This early rollout aligns with Samsung’s aim to introduce its major OS updates in the summer, marking a departure from the traditional fall release schedule. The tech giant is dedicated to enhancing its Android skin with several new features and improvements.
The public beta program has revealed many upcoming enhancements for One UI 8, which includes an upgraded Now Bar and Now Brief experience, new animations, and Call captions. One particularly exciting addition is the smart lock screen clock that intelligently reshapes to complement the objects in the Lock Screen wallpaper. While this idea isn’t entirely new—Apple introduced a similar feature in iOS 16 with its “Depth Effect” that seamlessly interacts with wallpaper—Samsung’s approach is different.
Apple’s feature places elements of the time display behind objects, giving a 3D-like effect. In contrast, Samsung’s One UI 8 offers a dynamic clock that adjusts its shape to fit around visible elements on the lock screen. According to leaks by @UniverseIce and @Topraks9plus, the One UI 8 lock screen clock will auto-detect objects in the wallpaper, resizing its digits accordingly.
For instance, if a person’s head falls under a digit, only that digit will shrink while maintaining the overall style. As users customize the clock widget, animated adjustments will visually show the resizing based on its position. Currently, this feature has been observed on the Galaxy S25 Ultra within the One UI 8 beta, although it’s unclear if it will be exclusive to this model or if it will require specific hardware.
Regardless, eligible Galaxy devices will need to receive the One UI 8 update to access this innovative feature in the future.
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