Samsung gave the Bixby assistant a major upgrade this year, adding natural-language conversation and stronger web search capabilities on Galaxy devices. However, despite the enhancements, Bixby still lags behind Gemini on agentic tasks.
A new report strongly indicates that Samsung could finally close those gaps with the One UI 9.5 update, adding autonomous-like features such as recurring background tasks similar to Gemini Task and Scheduled Actions.
Bixby is getting an agentic feature
SamMobile discovered the new Actions feature in the beta version of the Bixby app. It also shows the new assistant feature in action.
In the screenshots shared by the outlet, a user asks Bixby to provide a daily exchange rate report. Bixby then responds, asking whether the user wants the assistant to create this as a daily task. A user can then confirm or cancel the action.
Although there’s no further dialog, users can likely modify the action by following it with another prompt.
Meanwhile, created actions in Bixby can be managed on the Actions page, with shortcuts to pin, delete, and pause/play. There’s also a dedicated screen with a toggle to turn them on or off and tweak the task. Below is an option to view the task’s chat log.
Bixby is finally catching up to Gemini
There are no additional details on whether Bixby’s Actions will work similarly to Scheduled Actions, which are limited to single-prompt but recurring output, or whether they will support multistep workflows, monitoring, and triggers like Gemini Task (previously named Spark).
Regardless, this is already a big AI improvement, and it further makes it a versatile assistant, given how well it already does in modes, routines, and device controls.
In addition to the new autonomous feature, Samsung is also spotted working on adding voice recording for VoIP calls on One UI 9.5. This means users will be able to record calls on third-party apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber, though there’s still no confirmation on which apps will be supported.
Other new features and changes in One UI 9.5 include a Pixel Screenshots-like app called Memory, which lets users search for data and text in screenshots. Samsung Keyboard could also get new typing features like a shortening tool and built-in translation.
One UI 9.5 and the new Bixby availability
One UI 9.5, based on Android 17 QPR, is expected in early 2027 and could align with the Galaxy S27 launch. Most of the Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets that received One UI 9 are expected to receive One UI 9.5.
However, the new Bixby with agentic capabilities could first ship with select flagship devices such as the Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, and Z Flip 8. But Samsung may make it exclusive to the Galaxy S27 series first, depending on the timing.
