Samsung only just started rolling out Android 16 QPR2-based One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy S25 and older flagship Galaxy devices earlier this week. But it is already looking ahead, officially announcing the Android 17-based One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series.
One UI 9 makes further changes to the Quick Panel, enabling users to independently customize the brightness, sound, and media player tiles. They are now also available in new sizes for greater flexibility. One UI 8.5 already introduced notable Quick Panel customization options, and One UI 9 should take that flexibility even further.
Samsung Notes is getting some upgrades in One UI 9 as well. It now features new creative tools, such as decorative tapes and new pen styles. The Contacts app gains direct integration with Creative Studio. So, you can create personalized contact cards from within the app itself.
One UI 9 will also introduce new accessibility features. This includes an adjustable Mouse Key speed option and a Text Spotlight feature that displays text in a floating window more clearly to improve readability.
Samsung and Google will merge their TalkBack features together in One UI 9 for a more unified experience.
Another notable change in One UI 9 is the ability to automatically detect suspicious apps. The OS will warn users and prevent such apps from being installed or running.
Galaxy S26 series is first in line for the One UI 9 beta
Samsung will start the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series from later this week. Like always, it will initially roll out to users in a handful of countries, including Germany, South Korea, India, the UK, and the US.
Once the rollout begins, you can join the public beta program by tapping the relevant banner in the Samsung Members app. After that, an OTA should appear on your phone.
The One UI 9 beta program should expand to older Galaxy devices, including the Z Fold 7 and S25 series, after a few weeks.
Samsung’s announcement makes it clear that One UI 9 will publicly debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 series later this year with additional new AI features.
