Samsung is doubling down on lock screen customization with One UI 8.5, aiming to transform the humble glance screen from a basic utility into a more dynamic, personalized canvas. In the upcoming update, Galaxy users can expect AI-powered weather animations—a feature that might ring a bell for Google Pixel owners.

According to a report from GalaxyClub, One UI 8.5 introduces dynamic weather effects that mirror real-world conditions, such as rain or snow. However, instead of a simple flat overlay, the system uses AI to analyze the wallpaper’s depth. This allows elements like raindrops or snowflakes to fall naturally behind the subject in your photo, creating a much more immersive experience.

To set this up, users will head to Settings > Wallpaper and style > Lock screen, where a new "Weather" toggle will be available. This activates animations based on your local forecast, giving the lock screen a genuine, "lived-in" feel every time you wake your phone.

This isn't entirely uncharted territory for Samsung. The company previously dipped its toes into this concept with "Photo Ambient Wallpaper" in its experimental Labs menu. However, One UI 8.5 marks the transition from a test feature to a fully polished, official part of the interface.

If the concept feels familiar, it’s because Google offers a very similar feature on its Pixel lineup called "Live Effects," which also applies weather conditions directly to the lock screen wallpaper.

One UI 8.5 is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series before rolling out to older compatible devices. In the meantime, the third beta for the Galaxy S25 has already surfaced, giving early adopters a chance to test the dynamic weather in daily use. Beyond visuals, rumors suggest the update may also bring polished animations for music transitions on the lock screen.