- One UI 9 Beta, based on Android 17, is now available for the Galaxy S26 in select markets
- The layer introduces improvements in creativity, accessibility, security, and interface, with AI integration.
- The beta is being released in phases through Samsung Members and will later arrive in more countries and devices.
- The stable version of One UI 9 is expected by the end of the year alongside the upcoming Galaxy flagship phones.
The public beta of One UI 9, based on Android 17, is now available for Samsung's high-end devices. The South Korean company has launched the testing program for its new user interface , starting with the Galaxy S26 series and focusing the rollout on a limited number of countries.
This initial hands-on isn't just for ironing out bugs; it also previews many of the features that will define the next major software update for Galaxy phones. More customization options, creative tools in everyday apps, accessibility improvements, and more proactive security are the cornerstones of this preview version.
What is One UI 9 Beta and how does it differ?
One UI 9 is the latest major version of Samsung's interface, built on Android 17. It's not just a simple maintenance update, but a significant leap forward that impacts design, system functions, and Samsung's own apps.
In this phase, the software is offered as a public beta program for Galaxy S26 users who want to try out the new features early. However, it's possible to encounter bugs or minor performance issues, which is common in these types of preliminary versions.
The company had already completed the stable rollout of One UI 8.5 (based on Android 16 QPR2) , so now it's focusing on the transition to Android 17. The One UI 9 beta serves as a bridge between the two generations.
According to Samsung's roadmap and development leaks, the final version of One UI 9 will be reserved for the end of the year , when the brand's next flagship devices are unveiled. That's when we'll see the full package of improvements, including new advanced AI features.
Compatible devices and countries where it can be tested
For now, the One UI 9 beta is limited to the Galaxy S26 family : Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. They are the first in Samsung's lineup to receive the Android 17 update.
The company has confirmed that the program has launched in six key markets : Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In some of these markets, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, the beta version was activated earlier; in others, access is being rolled out gradually.
Users living in these countries with a compatible Galaxy S26 can sign up for the program through the Samsung Members app , in the beta section. Once the request is accepted, the update will appear like any other software download in the Settings > Software update menu.
For Europe, this means that the UK, Germany, and Poland are part of the first wave. Spain, for now, is left out of the initial rollout and will have to wait for later phases, which is typical of the brand's strategy.
For European Galaxy S26 devices that are part of the beta program, the update comes with a firmware of around 3,6 GB and also includes the May 2026 security patch. This patch corrects more than thirty vulnerabilities classified as critical, high, and moderate.
A phased rollout: roadmap and timeline
Samsung has once again opted for a phased rollout of One UI 9 Beta . The program is first launched in a few countries, feedback is gathered, and the most significant bugs are fixed. Then, access is expanded to more regions and, later, to more Galaxy models.
The company has set important internal dates, such as the second phase of the beta around May 26 , designed to extend availability within the territories already announced and, presumably, prepare the ground for other markets that will join later.
Before reaching this public beta, the software went through several internal builds . The first build of One UI 9 was detected on Samsung's servers a few weeks after the Galaxy S26 launch, and a second, more mature build indicated that the system was ready to be opened to external testers.
Looking ahead, analysts' predictions fit with Samsung's historical pattern: a stable version of One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 series between September and October , and a progressive expansion to the rest of the compatible devices throughout the end of 2026, coinciding with the time of new flagships and the end-of-year campaign.
Main new features of One UI 9 based on Android 17
One of the most noticeable changes in One UI 9 is the redesigned Quick Panel . Now, the brightness and volume controls can be enlarged or reduced to the user's liking, with larger touch-sensitive sliders that make one-handed use easier.
Furthermore, you can independently adjust screen brightness, system volume, and media player volume , and better organize panel shortcuts. Even the sound mode button can be detached from the volume control, giving you more control when switching between sound, vibration, or mute.
The interface has received a subtle facelift : fonts, icons, and animations have been refined, aiming for a cleaner and more consistent experience. It's not a radical change, but there is a noticeable improvement in the overall polish of transitions and menus.
Android 17 also brings internal improvements in productivity and security, which Samsung leverages in One UI 9 with new tools and privacy settings . Some of these features rely on intelligent assistance that automates repetitive tasks, though the full AI suite that the brand is reserving for its upcoming flagship devices is not yet complete.
More creativity in Samsung Notes and everyday apps
Samsung has paid special attention to its notes app. In One UI 9, Samsung Notes incorporates new creative tools , such as decorative tapes that can be used to cover snippets of text or drawings and reveal them later.
New stroke styles have also been added for the digital pen , designed for both handwriting and quick sketches. The idea is to give more flexibility to those who use their phone or the S Pen as a notebook or study guide.
In the Contacts app, One UI 9 adds a shortcut to Creative Studio , a tool that lets you design custom profile cards without switching apps. From there, you can create images and stickers for your contacts, provided the app is installed on your device and you're signed in with your Samsung account.
These Creative Studio features depend on your internet connection and region , and some options, such as using stickers on other devices, are restricted to the Galaxy ecosystem. Availability may vary by country, language, or phone model.
Accessibility: Easier reading and improved cursor control
One UI 9 also takes a significant leap forward in accessibility. One of the most striking new features is Text Spotlight . With it, users can tap any text on the screen to see it enlarged and highlighted in a floating window.
This floating panel allows you to adjust font size, colors, and other parameters , which helps people with visual impairments or anyone who needs to read small text more comfortably. It's a direct way to improve readability without having to change the entire system settings.
In parallel, Samsung has unified screen reader features into a combined TalkBack package , integrating what Google and Samsung previously offered separately. Thanks to this unification, TalkBack updates can be applied as a simple app update from the store.
Work has also been done on pointer control . The One UI 9 beta includes adjustable mouse button speed and new cursor interaction options using the keyboard, such as acceleration control or using the numeric keypad to select and click.
Within the accessibility settings, some options have been reorganized. For example, the feature that allows you to replace the swipe gesture with a single tap has been moved to the "Dexterity and Interaction" menu for easier access. Additionally, physical keyboard shortcuts have been added, allowing quick access to key functions without touching the screen.
Stricter security and privacy under control
Security is another area where One UI 9, based on Android 17, introduces significant changes. The system includes enhanced protection against suspicious or high-risk apps , acting before any damage is done.
When a potentially dangerous app is detected, Samsung's security layer can block its execution and installation , display a visible warning to the user, and directly recommend its removal. These decisions are based on regular updates to security policies and an internal list of software considered risky.
In terms of privacy, One UI 9 introduces features such as a blue location access indicator that appears at the top of the screen when an app uses GPS. By tapping this indicator from the quick panel, the user can see which app is accessing their location and take action if necessary.
The beta version comes with the May 2026 security patch , which fixes dozens of system and service vulnerabilities in Google and Samsung. These include flaws classified as critical, making the update especially relevant for those who prioritize data protection.
In addition, other privacy and permission settings have been strengthened, following the line set by Android 17, with more transparency about which apps use sensitive resources such as the microphone, camera or location.
Improvements to Samsung DeX, Game Booster and productivity
The One UI 9 beta also addresses mobile phone usage as a work tool. In Samsung DeX, desktop mode receives performance improvements and minor changes to window management . Moving an app from one virtual desktop to another is now easier thanks to new options in the window's top menu.
The Recent Apps view displays previews of the various desktops , making it easy to switch between them with a single tap. These kinds of adjustments, though subtle, can make a big difference for those who regularly use DeX with an external monitor and keyboard.
In the gaming realm, the Game Booster panel adds more quick settings . You can change parameters like screen resolution or screenshot format without leaving the game, directly from the overlay control panel, avoiding mid-game interruptions.
Android 17 also brings improvements focused on content creation and multimedia editing , which Samsung complements with tools like Photo Assist and Audio Eraser. This generation expands on automatic suggestions for retouching photos based on their content and offers finer control over video noise reduction, with per-app settings.
Finally, the news panel within the accessibility menu centralizes the latest features available for users with specific needs , making it easy for them to quickly try out everything that is being added without having to search through each submenu.
With the One UI 9 beta based on Android 17, Samsung is beginning to show the direction of its next major software update: a combination of visual tweaks, new creative tools, more options for those who need extra help using their phone, and stricter security against problematic apps. For now, only a few European countries, such as Germany, the UK, and Poland, can test it on the Galaxy S26, but the phased rollout suggests that, if all goes according to plan, this version will reach more regions and models over the coming months, including Spain when it's due.
