Samsung's latest Galaxy update changes how dark mode looks, but not for everyone

At a glance:

• One UI 8.5 is rolling out to Samsung devices, changing how dark mode appears in Google apps
• The update introduces a lighter gray color in some apps, related to Material You color palette implementation
• Users can resolve the issue by enabling Material You theming throughout the UI or switching back to default tones

The Changing Face of Dark Mode

One UI 8.5, Samsung's latest software update, is now rolling out to Galaxy devices after months of beta testing. However, users have begun noticing a significant change in how dark mode appears, particularly within Google applications. This visual shift has sparked discussion among Samsung enthusiasts, with some reporting an inconsistent experience that deviates from previous dark mode implementations.

Dark mode has become a standard feature across mobile platforms, but each manufacturer approaches it differently. While Google initially focused on dark tones that weren't purely black, Apple embraced fully black backgrounds. Samsung has typically occupied a middle ground, with some apps using pure-black backgrounds and others employing various shades of gray. The One UI 8.5 update appears to be altering this established approach, creating a noticeable difference in how dark mode renders across applications.

The Material You Connection

The discrepancy in dark mode appearance appears to be directly related to how Samsung implements Material You color accents. The company refers to this as the "color palette" setting in One UI, and it seems that a new default tone has been introduced with the 8.5 update. For users who haven't manually adjusted their color preferences, this new default creates a different visual experience, particularly in Google applications where a lighter, less pleasant gray color has been reported.

Interestingly, not all users are experiencing this change. Reports suggest that the issue manifests differently depending on device and user settings. For instance, some Galaxy Z Fold 7 users who updated from One UI 8.0 to 8.5 haven't observed the lighter gray appearance in Google apps. This suggests that the issue might be related to specific device configurations or previous settings that carried over during the update process.

User Solutions and Workarounds

For those experiencing the lighter gray in dark mode, there are potential solutions available. Some users have discovered that switching the default color tone back through advanced methods can restore a more consistent dark mode appearance across applications. This indicates that Samsung has provided users with some level of control over the color palette implementation, even if it requires navigating deeper into the settings.

Samsung, like Google, offers both dynamic Material You theming and static color choices. Users who opt to enable Material You theming throughout the entire UI report that dark mode functions as expected, with darker colors appearing consistently in both Samsung and Google applications. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, Samsung's static color options provide an alternative that maintains consistent dark mode rendering without the dynamic color accents.

Samsung's Design Philosophy

The evolution of dark mode in One UI reflects Samsung's broader design philosophy, which has consistently sought to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. The company's approach to dark mode has always been pragmatic, recognizing that different applications and user preferences might require different implementations. This latest change appears to be part of an ongoing effort to refine the user experience while maintaining compatibility with Google's Material Design principles.

As Samsung continues to develop One UI, the company must navigate the delicate balance between its own design language and the increasingly influential Material You framework from Google. The current situation with dark mode highlights this challenge, as Samsung attempts to implement Google's design concepts while maintaining its distinctive visual identity. This balancing act is likely to continue as both companies evolve their respective design systems.

What to Expect Next

Given that One UI 8.5 is just beginning its rollout, it's possible that Samsung may address the dark mode inconsistency in future updates. The company has a history of refining user interface elements based on user feedback, particularly for widely reported issues. As more users receive the update and report their experiences, Samsung's development team will likely gather valuable insights that could inform future adjustments to the color palette implementation.

In the meantime, users experiencing the lighter gray in dark mode have several options. They can either embrace the new aesthetic, enable Material You theming throughout the UI, or explore workarounds to restore the previous dark mode appearance. Samsung's commitment to providing user choice suggests that the company will continue to offer multiple approaches to theming, allowing users to customize their experience according to their preferences.