Samsung’s next big software refresh is coming. One UI 9based on Android 17, started the beta program on May 13, 2026. Testing started first for models from the Galaxy S26 series. The stable version is expected around July 22, 2026.
The launch will follow the premiere of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 models at an event in London. Samsung has not yet officially confirmed this date or the mentioned event. Find out what One UI 9 brings, which devices are getting the update, and when you can expect it below.
One UI 9 is the ninth major software version for Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. This system runs on the Android 17 platform, the latest annual release from Google. The previous update, One UI 8.5, brought a visual redesign called Ambient Design. The new version of One UI 9 builds on these basics rather than changing them. This release brings refined features, expanded AI tools, and improvements to the system code itself.
Officially confirmed features in beta
Samsung has announced the following features as part of the May 12, 2026 beta:
- The Samsung Notes app gets decorative strips and new pencil line styles.
- The Directory application connects directly with the Creative Studio tool for creating profile cards.
- The fast panel has a new design with independent adjustment of lighting, sound and media player.
- Accessibility comes with adjustable mouse button speed and a unified TalkBack package.
- The Text Spotlight option displays the selected text in a larger and clearer floating window.
- High-risk app blocking warns of suspicious software, prevents it from running, and suggests deletion.
Testers and technical portals also noticed the following options that Samsung has not yet officially highlighted:
- Thicker sliders have been introduced to adjust the volume and screen brightness.
- The media player widget on the lock screen has colorful sound wave animations.
- Parental control has been moved from the Digital Wellbeing menu to a separate section in Settings.
- The audio output menu now displays the label This phone instead of the previous label Media output.
This is only part of what, most importantly, this update will bring.
Native options from the Android 17 platform
The new One UI 9 also brings improvements that are a direct part of the Android 17 platform:
- Floating bubbles allow any application to open in a separate floating window.
- On tablets and foldable devices, a special bar with bubbles appears at the bottom of the screen.
- The system-level contacts menu allows applications to access only specific contacts from the list.
- Adaptive screen size prevents apps from locking the display orientation on larger screens.
- An advanced protection mode has been introduced for greater data security.
- Satellite connectivity and distance measurement accuracy through UWB technology has been improved.
Samsung has not confirmed the exact release date of the stable version. All chronology information is based on earlier company templates and reports.
Gemini AIThe beta program has been officially confirmed to start on May 13, 2026 for the Galaxy S26 series. The first wave of countries includes Germany, Great Britain, South Korea and the USA. India and Poland joined the beta test on May 26. Media reports suggest that the stable version will arrive around July 22, 2026.
Expected update schedule by device:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 i Z Flip 8: Around July 22, 2026 as the devices the system debuts with.
- Galaxy S26 series: From the end of July to August 2026.
- Galaxy S25 series: During August 2026.
- Galaxy S24 series: From August to September 2026.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6 i Z Flip 6: From August to September 2026.
- Galaxy S23 series: At the end of 2026.
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 i Z Flip 5: At the end of 2026.
- Galaxy models from series A, M and F: At the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
- Galaxy Tab tablet series: At the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
Updates in Africa are usually a few weeks behind Europe and the US. Carrier network models may receive the upgrade later than unlocked models.
Detailed list of devices expecting One UI 9
Lists of supported devices are based on the official support policy of 4 to 7 years and early software data.
1. Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S26 series: Modeli S26, S26+ i S26 Ultra.
- Galaxy S25 series: Modeli S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge i S25 FE.
- Galaxy S24 series: Modeli S24, S24+, S24 Ultra i S24 FE.
- Galaxy S23 series: Modeli S23, S23+, S23 Ultra i S23 FE.
Which models are losing support: The Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy S21 FE model will not receive the One UI 9 update. These phones were released before the introduction of the seven-year support cycle that began with the Galaxy S24 series. Their support is limited to four years, and the last version will be One UI 8.5. For the Galaxy S23 series, this will be the fourth and last major operating system update.
2. Galaxy Z series (Foldable phones)
- Latest models: Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 arrive with One UI 9 software pre-installed.
- Extended line: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to come with new software, although the name has not been officially confirmed.
- New models from 2025: They include the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE devices.
- Older supported folding models: To su Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5 i Z Flip 5.
- Special editions: They include the Galaxy Z TriFold and Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition models.
- Models losing support: The Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4 and all older foldable phones are not getting the update.
3. Galaxy A series
All Galaxy A series phones launched from 2024 are eligible for the new software. Samsung has extended support to six years starting with the Galaxy A16 line.
- Series A50 and A30: Model A57 5G, A56 5G, A55 5G, A37 5G, A36 5G i A35 5G.
- Series A20 and A10: Models A26 5G, A25 5G, A24, A17, A16 and A15 (in 4G and 5G versions).
- Basic series A00: Accepts models A07 (4G and 5G) and A06 5G.
- Support note: Sources differ on the Galaxy A54 and A34 models, so their update is not entirely certain.
4. Galaxy M and F series
The M and F series are region specific and sold mainly in India and select markets.
- M series (newer models): Verzije M56 5G, M55 5G, M55s 5G, M54 5G, M36 5G i M34 5G.
- M series (basic models): Versions M17 5G, M17e 5G, M16 5G, M15 5G, M07 and M06 5G.
- F series (more advanced models): Versions F56 5G, F55 5G, F54 5G, F36 5G and F34 5G.
- F series (other models): F70e 5G, F17 5G, F16 5G, F15 5G, F07 5G and F06 5G versions.
- Confidence level: These lists have a lower degree of reliability compared to the premium S and Z series.
5. Galaxy Tab series of tablets
The following Samsung tablets are eligible to receive the new One UI 9 software:
- Premium models: They include the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra series.
- Tab S10 series: Models S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 FE, S10 FE+, as well as S10 Lite.
- Tab S9 series: Models S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE and S9 FE+.
- More affordable and robust models: Tab S6 Lite (2024), Tab A11, Tab A11+, Tab A9+ (2025), Active 5 i Active 5 Pro.
- End of support: For the Tab S9 series, this represents the fourth and final major operating system upgrade.
6. Galaxy Watch smart watches (One UI 9 Watch)
The smartwatch series is getting a special software version called One UI 9 Watch. This system is based on Google’s May 2026 Wear OS 7 platform.
Wear OS 7 brings new widgets, live updates, integrated Gemini intelligence and a new watch face format. Google says that the upgrade will bring up to 10 percent better battery life.
- Supported watch models: Serije Galaxy Watch 9, Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic i Watch Ultra iz 2025. godine.
- Older generations of watches: Modeli Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra (2024), Watch FE, Watch 6 i Watch 6 Classic.
- Less certain models: The Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are at the very limit of four-year support.
- End of support: The Galaxy Watch 4 series will most likely not receive a new version of this software.
How to check availability and install beta?
Users can check the availability of updates directly in their device settings. You need to open Settings, then select Software Update and tap the Download and Install option.
If you want to try the beta version on the Galaxy S26 series, open the Samsung Members app. Log in to your account, select the One UI Beta Program banner and click on the Register option. After that, through the standard settings of the phone, you can start the download of the beta installation. The beta program is currently limited to Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. reminds TechCabal.