Samsung is shifting control of phone calls away from mobile operators by introducing a built-in answering machine directly inside Galaxy devices running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 or later, allowing users to manage voicemails straight through the phone’s native call application.
Samsung is fundamentally changing how users manage incoming phone calls with the launch of a new direct voicemail feature. According to reporting from Europesays, the update moves answering machine functionality directly into Galaxy devices rather than requiring customers to rely on traditional services provided by mobile operators.
How Samsung’s Direct Voicemail Works on Galaxy Devices
When a call comes in and the user does not answer, the system automatically routes the call to the built-in answering machine. Callers can then record a message directly to the mobile phone, and owners can view and listen to these recordings straight through the native phone application. Europesays notes that users can even answer calls while the person is actively leaving a message.
Samsung highlights that this capability makes call management much simpler when users are unavailable. However, the company specifies that direct voicemail does not function for video calls and may fail to operate if the phone’s internal storage is nearly full.
Android 16 and One UI 8.5 Requirements for Galaxy Users
Access to the new feature is subject to specific software and hardware criteria. According to statements from Samsung cited by Europesays, direct voicemail is only available on Galaxy phones running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 or later. Furthermore, Samsung points out that exact functionalities can vary depending on the specific device model, software version, and mobile operator.

Broader Call Management Tools on Newer Galaxy Models
The direct voicemail system forms part of a wider suite of call-handling updates rolled out by Samsung. On newer Galaxy models, the mobile device can assist users by answering automatically and displaying what the caller is saying directly on the screen. Additionally, certain models support recording phone calls and automatically converting those audio files into text, shifting the traditional calling habits of Samsung owners toward greater on-device control.
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