The One UI 9 Beta program is in full swing, and Samsung is moving swiftly to bring the latest features to its users. The Galaxy S26 series has already received the initial build, and the question on everyone's mind is: who's next in line for the beta program? Based on Samsung's recent patterns and leaks, we can expect a faster rollout than previous iterations.
When Can We Expect One UI 9?
- Public Beta Release: May 2026
- Stable Rollout: Mid-2026, likely July 2026, alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the rumored Z Fold Wide. New foldables often ship with the latest One UI version.
- Other Devices: Starting with the S25/S24 series in August/September, followed by mid-range and tablet models later in the year.
This accelerated schedule is a welcome change, but it's important to note that Samsung has been promising faster updates for a while now. The official One UI Beta Program is accessible through the Samsung Members app, and eligibility is based on country and device compatibility.
One UI 9 Eligible Devices (Tentative List)
Samsung's official list hasn't been released yet, but devices that received One UI 8/8.5 are likely to get One UI 9, adhering to their 4-7 year major OS update promise.
- Galaxy S Series: S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series
- Galaxy Z Series: Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
- Galaxy A Series (Select Mid-Range): A57, A56, A55, A37, A36, A35, A26, A25, A17, A16, A15, A07 (LTE/5G variants)
- Tablets: Tab S11, Tab S10 series, Tab S9 series, Tab Active 5, Tab Active 5 Pro
- Others: Galaxy XCover 7, region-specific models in limited cases.
Devices likely stopping at One UI 8.5 include the S22 series, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and older A-series models in some regions.
What's New in One UI 9?
One UI 9 builds upon the visual refresh introduced in One UI 8.5, focusing on polishing, refinements, and deeper Android 17 integration.
UI and Design Improvements
- Enhanced Quick Panel: Thicker, more tactile brightness and volume sliders with independent resizing. Sound Mode and Display Mode toggles can be separated for a cleaner layout.
- Lock-Screen Media Player: Enhanced with colorful waveform animations, 3D/bouncy effects, glowing elements, and a refined expanded view.
- Gallery App: Cleaner multi-image selection with improved blur and preview effects.
- System-Wide Refinements: Subtle changes for smoother animations, refined spacing, and Material You Expressive influences.
New Samsung Features and App Updates
- Samsung Notes: New Tape feature for decorative note covering, and a wider variety of pen line styles.
- Contacts App: Direct integration with Creative Studio AI for personalized profile card creation.
- Game Booster: More in-panel settings without leaving the game.
- Tap to Share: NFC-based quick sharing with glow animation.
- Bixby Widgets: Limited rollout on the home screen.
- Warranty & Care Hub: Centralized warranty info, diagnostics, and repair options.
Android 17 and Galaxy AI Enhancements
- Location Access Transparency: Blue indicator in the status bar/Quick Panel when apps access location, with a redesigned permission pop-up.
- Improved Galaxy AI: Proactive suggestions, enhanced Photo Assist with AI pills, and early Agentic AI capabilities.
Accessibility Upgrades
- Text Spotlight: Tap text to enlarge/highlight in a floating window with customizable font and colors.
- Select to Speak: Quick audio readout for selected items without full TalkBack.
- Enhanced Mouse Keys and Physical Keyboard Shortcuts.
Conclusion
The One UI 9 Beta 1 feels smoother due to Android 17 improvements, but it's not a revolutionary update. More significant additions are expected in later betas. As an early beta, it's best to use it on a secondary device, as bugs and issues may occur. If you have a supported device in an eligible region, now is the time to test it out and provide valuable feedback to Samsung.
