Samsung adds auto-switching dark icons in One UI 9.5

Samsung is preparing to roll out dark-themed app icons alongside its next major software update, One UI 9.5. A recent discovery in a test build of the Nearby Device app shows code referencing an option to automatically switch app icons to darker versions when dark mode is enabled. This would make the home screen look more cohesive, keeping the look consistent while users switch between light and dark themes.

The feature isn’t entirely new—similar dark-themed icons were spotted in earlier versions like One UI 8.5—but never made it to the public. Now, developers have spotted fresh references in the latest test firmware, suggesting Samsung is revisiting the idea for One UI 9.5. The company has a history of refining its software with subtle visual tweaks, and this could be one of them.

The change would only affect the appearance of app icons on the home screen and app drawer, not their function. Samsung typically tests such features behind the scenes before rolling them out widely. While no official release date has been set for One UI 9.5, the company is still finishing up the rollout of One UI 9, which means the update could still be months away.

For users who regularly use dark mode, dark-themed icons would be a welcome quality-of-life improvement. It would reduce eye strain during night use and make the interface feel more polished. If Samsung keeps pushing these kinds of refinements, it could help solidify its software as one of the best in the Android ecosystem.