5 Shocking Ways The One UI Camera Icon Is Changing Forever In One UI 7 & One UI 8.5

The Samsung One UI Camera Icon is one of the most frequently used visual elements on a Galaxy smartphone, yet it has remained largely unchanged for years. As of late December 2025, that is about to change dramatically. Samsung is rolling out a massive, controversial visual overhaul across its native applications, starting with the imminent release of One UI 7 and continuing with the highly anticipated One UI 8.5 update, signaling the end of the long-standing flat design era and introducing a bold new 3D aesthetic.

This deep dive explores the radical shift in Samsung's design philosophy, focusing specifically on how the camera icon will look, feel, and function on your device, and why this seemingly small change has sparked major debate among the Galaxy community.

The Classic Look: Understanding the One UI 6.1 Camera Icon

To fully appreciate the magnitude of the upcoming change, it is essential to understand the current design language. The camera icon used in One UI 6.1 and earlier versions is a perfect example of Samsung’s commitment to a clean, flat, and minimalist aesthetic.

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• Flat Design: The icon is two-dimensional, prioritizing simplicity and clarity over realism.
• The Red Accent: It typically features a prominent red color for the shutter button or a key element, which has become a visual signature for the Camera app.
• Cutout Symbol: The design uses a simple cutout of a lens and body, making it instantly recognizable but lacking in depth or texture.
• Uniformity: This design fits seamlessly with the overall visual scheme of the operating system, including other native apps like the Gallery, Contacts, and Settings icons.

While functional, this design has been criticized by some users for being too generic or lacking the visual punch of competing mobile operating systems. The upcoming One UI 7 and One UI 8.5 updates directly address this by injecting a significant amount of visual complexity and depth.

The Radical Shift: 5 Ways the Camera Icon is Redesigned in One UI 7 & 8.5

The transition to One UI 7 and the subsequent refinement in One UI 8.5 mark the most significant design overhaul since the introduction of the One UI framework itself. The new camera icon is a flagship example of this new visual identity, moving away from flat graphics to a more expressive, three-dimensional style.

1. The Introduction of a 3D-Style Iconography

The single most noticeable change is the move to 3D-style icons. Samsung's native apps, including the Camera, are transitioning from a strictly flat appearance to one with shadows, gradients, and a sense of depth, giving them a more "realistic" and "contemporary" appearance.

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This shift in the design language is not just about aesthetics; it is about providing a sense of tactility and modernity to the entire user interface, making the icons feel less like simple drawings and more like actual, clickable objects on the screen. This is a major visual enhancement that will redefine the look of the Quick Panel and the app drawer.

2. A Modernized Camera Symbol

The specific shape of the Camera icon is being revamped to resemble a "modernized camera." While the exact final design is subject to change as it moves from beta to stable release, the goal is to make the icon more distinctive and easier to locate among a crowded app drawer. The current icon, often criticized for its simplicity, is being replaced by a more detailed graphic that better represents the advanced capabilities of the latest Galaxy S-Series and Galaxy Z-Series devices.

3. Dynamic and Visible Design

One of the key intentions behind the redesign is to make the icon "more visible and easy to find." This is likely achieved through better color contrast and the use of the new 3D depth, which helps the icon stand out against various wallpaper backgrounds. This focus on visibility is crucial for improving the overall usability of the One UI experience.

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4. The New Dynamic Expert RAW Icon

Beyond the main Camera app, the specialized Expert RAW application is also receiving a facelift. Reports indicate that the Expert RAW camera will feature a brand new dynamic icon. A dynamic icon is one that can change its appearance based on certain conditions or inputs, potentially reflecting the mode it is in or a specific feature being highlighted. This level of detail underscores Samsung's focus on its pro-level photography tools, including the Pro Photo and Pro Video modes.

5. Community Controversy and Mixed Reactions

As with any major UI change, the leaked images of the new camera icon have been met with mixed public reactions. While some users appreciate the modern, 3D aesthetic, others have voiced strong disapproval, with comments on social platforms calling early rumored designs "horrible" or even the "worst camera icon ever in Samsung's history."

This controversy highlights the challenge of balancing modern design trends with user familiarity. The shift from the long-standing flat design to a more realistic 3D look is a significant departure that will require users to adjust their visual habits. Samsung will be closely monitoring feedback as the One UI 7 Beta program progresses.

The Future of One UI Design and the Camera Experience

The changes to the camera icon are merely the tip of the iceberg for the new One UI 7 and One UI 8.5 design philosophy. The focus is on a complete visual and functional overhaul, with the camera app itself receiving significant improvements.

• Enhanced Camera Features: The updates bring new features like Improved Capture View for devices like the Galaxy Z Fold, better usability of Flex Cam on the Galaxy Z Flip, and new Single Take mode enhancements.
• AI Integration: Features powered by Galaxy AI continue to be integrated across the system, including new writing and editing assistance tools, which may indirectly influence the overall camera and gallery workflow.
• Camera Presets: One UI 8.5 is rumored to introduce game-changing presets for Pro camera controls, allowing users to save and even share their preferred camera settings via Quick Share.

The new 3D camera icon is not just a cosmetic refresh; it is a visual indicator of a more powerful, feature-rich, and visually engaging camera experience that Samsung is delivering. While the initial change may be jarring for long-time users, it ultimately represents Samsung's commitment to keeping the One UI interface fresh, competitive, and aligned with modern design standards.