Samsung is reportedly enhancing the camera capabilities of its next flagship smartphone. Code analysis suggests the company is developing advanced video and autofocus controls for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, possibly elevating mobile photography and videography. These software-based improvements, discovered within the latest One UI 8.5 build, indicate a strategic push too appeal to professional content creators and photography enthusiasts-a market increasingly reliant on smartphone camera technology.
Samsung is developing two new features for its Camera Assistant, potentially debuting with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Code discovered in One UI 8.5 reveals options for video softening, as well as adjustable autofocus speed and sensitivity controls.
These features are currently inactive on existing Galaxy S25 devices, suggesting Samsung is reserving them for next year’s flagship phone. The additions point to a concerted effort by Samsung to position the S26 Ultra as a serious tool for camera enthusiasts and content creators.
While Samsung may not be altering the camera hardware on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, significant changes appear to be coming to its software. New code found within the Camera Assistant Good Lock module for One UI 8.5 details two features designed to give photographers greater control.
The first is video softening. Samsung already offers picture softening in Camera Assistant, which reduces harsh detail for a more natural look in photos. The company now appears to be extending this capability to video.
The code reveals toggle options for off, medium, and high settings, mirroring those available for still photos. This should be welcome news for users who find Samsung’s video processing to be overly aggressive with sharpening. The ability to fine-tune video aesthetics is increasingly important as smartphone video becomes a primary content creation tool.
The second feature is likely to appeal to more technically-minded users. Samsung is developing controls for autofocus speed and sensitivity. This will allow users to adjust how quickly the camera shifts focus between subjects and the smoothness of those transitions. This level of granular control is typically found on dedicated cinema cameras, not smartphones.
These Features Are Not Yet Available in One UI 8.5 Beta on Galaxy S25
Currently, these features are not enabled in the One UI 8.5 beta 2 running on Galaxy S25 devices. This strongly suggests that Samsung is holding them back for the Galaxy S26 line, most likely exclusive to the Ultra model.
These additions join a growing list of rumored camera improvements for the S26 Ultra, including reduced lens flare, support for professional lens controllers, and the APV codec. Samsung appears to be positioning its next Ultra as a legitimate tool for creators and professionals, rather than simply a spec-leading device.
Of course, APK breakdowns are not guarantees, and features are often canceled. However, if Samsung moves forward with these plans, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could offer the most comprehensive camera controls ever seen on a Galaxy device.
