- One UI 9.5 is expected to come pre-installed on the Galaxy S27 in the first quarter of 2027, although development is already underway and internal builds have been seen on the Galaxy S26.
- The update would feature a visual redesign with a glass effect, more transparencies and shadows, as well as a much-anticipated native app lock.
- Galaxy AI and Gemini's artificial intelligence would be more deeply integrated into system applications, with advanced automations and improvements in overall fluidity.
While Samsung is still rolling out One UI 9 to its devices, the company has already begun development on the next version, One UI 9.5. Early leaks and internal builds suggest that this update will arrive with a more polished visual redesign, new security features, and deeper AI integration. It's expected to debut with the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027, but the traces left on Samsung's servers already offer a glimpse of what's to come.
The new version of Samsung's custom interface will be based on Android 17 and, according to leaks, will feature a more glass-like design, with transparencies and shadows that create a sense of depth. It will also finally include a native app lock, a feature highly requested by users. Below, we review everything known so far about One UI 9.5, with the sources for each leak.
A date that is beginning to take shape
According to SamMobile's tracking report, One UI 9.5 is expected to ship with the Galaxy S27 series during the first quarter of 2027. The beta program is projected to open for high-end devices around the last quarter of 2026, with several test versions before the stable release. This timeline is similar to that of One UI 8.5, which was also announced at the end of the year and launched with the Galaxy S26.
What's striking is that Samsung hasn't waited to finalize One UI 9 before starting work on the next version. An internal build of One UI 9.5 is already being tested for the Galaxy S26, with a build number ending in CHZ1—a move that would also come earlier than the release of One UI 8.5 last year. Furthermore, Android Authority has separately located an initial build on Samsung's test servers associated with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, identified as AZH3. Days later, SammyFans confirmed that the work has also extended to other models in the S26 series, indicating that Samsung is testing the update in parallel across several product lines even before finalizing the One UI 9 rollout.
More transparency and a distinct visual layer
It's suggested that One UI 9.5 could introduce more semi-transparent elements in cards, pop-up panels, and dialog boxes, going beyond the minor tweaks introduced in One UI 9.0. The pill-shaped floating bar already seen in the current version would gain a more streamlined and cleaner look. The goal would be for the interface to feel more cohesive on large screens, with responsive improvements designed for foldable devices and tablets. Neither source has yet provided concrete screenshots of the new design, so for now, it's more of a working direction than a finalized redesign.
The first screenshots published by leaker Fahad Ali Javed on X show a glass-like design with projected shadows and glossy edges , giving the impression of an overhead light source and a more realistic look. This effect is visible in widgets like the Now Brief, the floating tab bar of the Phone app, and the volume controls. The company hasn't literally copied Apple, but rather opted for its own style that maintains its identity, albeit with a more three-dimensional and less flat finish than One UI 8.5.
The new bottom bar that appears in apps like the Phone app is the best example of how this redesign can improve usability. The Phone app's search function is now integrated into this bottom bar instead of remaining as a separate button in the top right corner. According to leaks, this will be a new search function powered by Samsung AI and integrated at the system level, allowing users to find information related to a contact or phone number they're looking for. This bar also appears in settings, such as in the connectivity section where it allows users to generate a QR code to share their Wi-Fi.
The app blocking feature that many have been requesting for a long time
Samsung may finally incorporate a native App Lock, capable of locking individual apps with a fingerprint, PIN, or password without having to go through Secure Folder or resort to third-party apps. The rumor originates from the Android code itself: the feature reportedly appeared hidden in the Android 17 QPR1 beta before disappearing, suggesting that Google will reintroduce it in QPR2, the very foundation upon which One UI 9.5 is based. A third clue indicates that development is still active on Google's side, with text strings suggesting that the lock can be activated by PIN or biometrics and applied to multiple apps simultaneously from Settings. The repeated appearance of the rumor in several specialized media outlets, and its common origin in the Android code itself, lends it considerably more credibility than an isolated leak.
The leaked screenshots show that the lock icon appears when you press and hold an icon in the app drawer. It also appears that app shortcuts and widgets disappear from the home screen, and even notifications are hidden. However, any content from locked apps will remain accessible to any app that already has access to it. This feature is very similar to those offered by other custom Android skins like MIUI or ColorOS, and was one of the most requested features by Galaxy users.
Truly dark icons, at last
Another detail that appears in various sources is the arrival of truly dark icons when dark mode is activated. Android Authority explains that references to a dark mode icon option have been found within the Nearby Device app. Examples have already been seen of how icons like Gallery, My Files, Messages, and the phone itself would look with this dark treatment. This wouldn't be the first time Samsung has flirted with the idea: the feature was already tested internally during the development of One UI 8.5 and was ultimately removed before the stable release, so it's best to take it with a grain of salt until it's confirmed in a public beta.
Furthermore, the leak also reveals that some apps will be redesigned. The search function in the phone app is now integrated into the bottom bar instead of remaining as a separate button in the top right corner. According to the leaks, this will be a new search function powered by Samsung AI and integrated at the system level, allowing users to find information related to a contact or phone number they are looking for. This bar also appears in settings, such as in the connectivity section where it allows users to generate a QR code to share their Wi-Fi. Similarly, other elements like the volume bar have been redesigned with the new style.
More artificial intelligence in everyday apps
According to SamMobile, One UI 9.5 will bring deeper integration of Galaxy AI and Gemini to stock apps such as Calendar, Camera, Clock, My Files, Gallery, Samsung Health, Modes & Routines, Notes, Phone, Reminders, Internet, Samsung TV Plus, SmartThings, Wallet, and Galaxy Wearable. The same source indicates more advanced automations powered by Bixby and Gemini Intelligence, with AI agents capable of greater autonomy and more accurate fitness tracking.
It has also been leaked that One UI 9.5 will come with smoother animations out of the box, without needing to activate the Good Lock Home Up module, which was previously required to achieve this effect. The leaker himself, Fahad Ali Javed, claims that the animations are noticeably smoother throughout the interface. Additionally, a redesign of the fingerprint indicator on the registration screen has been spotted, featuring a different animation than the current one. The native Camera app also receives interface changes: the quick settings submenus now open in an overlay on the viewfinder, with circular containers around each option and a gold tint in some settings.
Another noteworthy feature is the ability to mirror apps from a Galaxy phone on a Windows laptop, provided both are connected to the same Samsung account. This would be the first time Samsung has integrated this functionality without relying on third-party apps like Link to Windows, although the source doesn't specify which apps would be compatible or if the feature would be available on all models. The Finder and Google Search bars, introduced with the foldable Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, also appear in this build for the Galaxy S26 series, suggesting that Samsung might extend this functionality to more devices with the arrival of One UI 9.5.
Which Galaxy devices could make the jump to One UI 9.5
Samsung hasn't released an official list, but there's an estimate based on the company's current update policy, which offers up to seven years of support for the latest high-end models and up to six years for most of its mid-range and entry-level devices. By that logic, the list would include the entire Galaxy S24 and S25 family, plus the recently launched S26; foldable phones from the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 onward, including the Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8, and Z TriFold; most of the current A series, from the A24 to the A57; several generations of Tab S9 and Tab S10 tablets, plus the Tab S11; and models from the F, M, and XCover series targeted at specific markets.
This is, once again, a prediction and not a confirmation, something that already happened with the equivalent list for One UI 9, which was adjusted as the launch approached. It's reasonable to consider it a guideline until Samsung publishes its own list of compatible models. In any case, the first to receive the update will be the Galaxy S26, which is already testing internal builds, and the Galaxy S27, which will receive it out of the box.
With development already visible on Samsung's servers and the first wave of leaks aligning, the coming months should confirm which of these rumors make it to the beta and which fall by the wayside, as is typical with each One UI update. The company hasn't officially commented on this leak, so we'll have to wait for Samsung to announce the beta program or release official information about the next-generation Galaxy S27 to learn all the details. What is clear is that One UI 9.5 promises to be a significant update, with a more mature visual redesign, much-anticipated security features, and a more integrated artificial intelligence presence in everyday use.
