Software Updates News: 11 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

November 18, 2025, 5:44 AM EST. Samsung is rolling out the Internet Browser update to version 29.1.2.23, likely alongside One UI 8.5 (Android 16-based). The update adds Auto Close Unused Tabs, Grid View Mode, and a refreshed icon and welcome screen. A floating, blurred address bar hides on scroll, and the grid layout now mimics Gallery albums with floating access options. The floating bar lets you rearrange buttons and reach synced tabs and secret mode in a tap. There's a new compact tab layout and semi-transparent stack/list layouts. Privacy gains include blocking fixed-position pop-ups and in-app video likes. APK downloads from Galaxy Store install automatically. An AI Search option in debug settings queries Gemini or Perplexity.

November 18, 2025, 5:40 AM EST. Leakers hint at a major Samsung Internet redesign arriving with One UI 8.5. After the One UI 8.0 refresh, Samsung is reportedly testing version 29.1.2.23 featuring a brand-new introduction screen and a refreshed address bar with a Liquid Glass-like style. The bar splits into two sections: a left area with the home icon and URL, and a right area for Browsing Assist, Tabs, and Options. Shortcuts can be rearranged, and the menu now opens in a vertical flyover UI instead of the previous grid. Three URL bar styles are offered-Compact, Standard, and Bottom-and tab views include List, Grid (two-column), and Stack. Tabs live in a bottom pill bar, consistent with other leaked One UI 8.5 apps like Finder, Gallery, and Phone.

November 18, 2025, 5:36 AM EST. Apple's third beta of iOS 26.2 unlocks a potential multi-voice future. The update reveals a new framework to let users set a default voice assistant and swap Siri for another option. In beta 3, a new Settings section would let users pick a different assistant, activated via the iPhone's side button and even display a branded interface on Springboard instead of launching a separate app. While the feature is currently disabled for users, it hints at deeper integrations with third-party assistants-possibly letting users switch to ChatGPT or Gemini at a system level. This aligns with Bloomberg's EU-focused regulatory push, though limits may still apply outside the region, and Apple's own Apple Intelligence prospects remain pending.

November 18, 2025, 5:34 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 reportedly revamps the Samsung Internet browser with a new icon and welcome screen, a blurred, floating address bar that hides on scroll, and a grid layout reminiscent of Gallery albums. The update supposedly brings floating controls, easier access to synced tabs and secret mode, and a compact tab view that stacks or lists semi-transparent tabs. A redesigned interface aims to reduce fixed-position pop-ups and may introduce in-app video liking. An AI Search option in the debug settings would query via Gemini or Perplexity. There's also chatter of a new pop-up menu for closing all tabs at once, and improved privacy features and pop-up blocking. If real, these changes could reshape Galaxy browser UX.

November 18, 2025, 5:30 AM EST. Bloomberg reports that Abidur Chowdhury, the industrial designer who introduced the iPhone Air at Apple's September event, has left for an unnamed artificial intelligence startup. The move underscores a broader brain drain from Apple's AI divisions and follows departures from the design team linked to io/OpenAI circles. Chowdhury's exit comes despite his rising profile within Apple's design organization, and Bloomberg notes the move is unrelated to the phone's debut. As the tech industry watches where Chowdhury lands, the impact on product development momentum at Apple remains to be seen.