- Samsung is preparing new Galaxy Books that would run on Android 17 and One UI 9 instead of Windows 11.
- There will be at least three models: low-end, mid-range, and a flagship laptop with a very refined design.
- The laptops would integrate Galaxy AI and an enhanced version of Samsung DeX, seeking continuity with Galaxy mobiles and tablets.
- The launch would depend on the debut of Android 17 and Aluminium OS, planned after Google I/O 2026.
Samsung is reportedly preparing a major move in the laptop market, with a new Galaxy Book family that will abandon Windows in favor of Android 17 and One UI 9 as its operating system. This information comes from several coinciding leaks, mostly from SamMobile, which point to a change in strategy designed to strengthen the Galaxy ecosystem.
The idea would involve leveraging the development of Aluminium OS, Google's new Android-based desktop operating system , and news about a high-end Android laptop , to launch a range of laptops that work much more seamlessly with Galaxy phones and tablets. With this move, Samsung would aim to reduce the current fragmentation of its product line and offer a more consistent experience across all its devices.
A more coherent Galaxy ecosystem with Android 17 and One UI 9
Currently, the South Korean brand's ecosystem is very broad but somewhat fragmented: Galaxy phones and tablets run on Android and One UI, Galaxy Book laptops use Windows, Chromebooks run ChromeOS, and TVs use Tizen . This mix of platforms means the experience isn't as seamless as that of other competitors, especially Apple.
Leaks indicate that Samsung is working on a Galaxy Book line that will run Android 17 with the One UI 9 interface on top . In practice, this would mean applying the same philosophy we already see in Galaxy smartphones, but to a desktop environment, with windows, advanced multitasking, and built-in keyboard and mouse support.
Google, meanwhile, is immersed in the progressive merging of Android and ChromeOS under the codename Aluminium OS , a desktop platform based on Android, and is currently testing Android 17 beta 4. Sources indicate that the Galaxy Book devices running Android will use this very base, although it's not entirely clear whether all models will run Aluminium OS or if some will opt for a more traditional version of Android, customized with One UI 9.
What does seem fairly certain is that Google would allow manufacturers like Samsung to apply their own "skins" to Aluminium OS , similar to what happens with Android on mobile devices. One UI 9 for laptops would, in that context, be Samsung's interface on this new desktop platform.
Three ranges: from affordable models to a flagship Galaxy Book
Virtually all leaks agree that Samsung won't limit itself to a single test laptop . The company is reportedly preparing at least three Galaxy Book models with Android: a basic or entry-level model, a mid-range model, and a flagship laptop with a design described as "very" or "ultra" elegant.
The most affordable model would compete directly with the Apple MacBook Neo and traditional Chromebooks , positioning itself as a lightweight option, likely with a strong focus on web browsing, Android apps, and cloud computing. This segment would be key to attracting students and users looking for a simple laptop that integrates seamlessly with their Galaxy mobile device.
In the middle range, Samsung would have a mid-range Galaxy Book designed for daily productivity , suitable for both office work and intensive personal use, maintaining a slightly lower price than the flagship model but with a balanced set of specifications.
The top-of-the-range model, meanwhile, would be positioned as the flagship of the Galaxy Book family, running Android 17 and One UI 9 , with a refined design, premium materials, and hardware on par with the most advanced laptops on the market. This model would aim to compete with MacBooks using M-series chips and high-end Windows ultrabooks.
Aside from these three Galaxy Book Android ranges, Samsung will continue to support its Windows 11 laptops, at least for now . There has been talk of the Galaxy Book6 Edge with a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, although it's still unclear whether this model will be part of the transition to Android or if it will be the last major offering in the line with Microsoft's operating system (see comparison of Android tablets vs. ARM laptops ).
A laptop with the soul of DeX: enhanced productivity and desktop
A key aspect of this project is how the system will look and function in daily use. Leaks suggest that One UI 9 for Galaxy Book will be a kind of evolved and enhanced DeX , leveraging the experience Samsung has accumulated over the years with this desktop mode for mobile phones and tablets.
Currently, Samsung DeX allows you to use a Galaxy smartphone or tablet like a computer by connecting it to an external monitor to access desktop-style windows, a taskbar, and applications. The idea now is to take it a step further: to integrate the "Enhanced DeX" mode natively into the laptop itself, rather than relying on a mobile device.
With this, the new Galaxy Book laptops running Android 17 could run the same apps that already work on Galaxy phones and tablets , but adapted for larger screens and intensive use with a keyboard and trackpad. This would greatly simplify the lives of those who already work with Android tools and want a similar environment on their computers.
Another consequence of this approach is seamless connectivity across devices. For someone with a Galaxy S26 or a recent Galaxy Tab (see our Android tablet buying guide) , switching from phone to laptop or tablet could be virtually seamless : same apps, same account, deeper synchronization, and a very similar interface across all devices.
In this context, Samsung is aiming for greater homogeneity than it currently offers with Windows and ChromeOS . The goal is for the barrier between mobile, tablet, laptop, and, to some extent, television to almost completely disappear, at least in terms of user experience and available apps.
Galaxy AI as the central component and integration with Aluminium OS
Another key feature of this new generation of laptops would be artificial intelligence. All leaks agree that Galaxy AI will be integrated as standard in Galaxy Books running Android 17 , adding to the list of devices where the brand is deploying its AI capabilities.
On Galaxy phones, Galaxy AI already offers real-time translation, assisted photo editing, text summaries, and contextual help , among other features. Bringing this suite of functions to a laptop would enhance productivity uses, such as document writing, rapid information analysis, and content creation.
While details of how this integration will work haven't been released yet, it's reasonable to assume Samsung might explore subscription models or premium AI features , similar to what other industry players are already doing with services like Gemini or ChatGPT. Android-based Galaxy Books would be a natural fit for this type of offering.
Meanwhile, the technical foundation of these laptops would be linked to the development of Aluminium OS, Google's new desktop operating system with Android DNA . Several sources indicate that it is "likely" that the Galaxy Book laptops with One UI 9 will be based on this platform, although Samsung would have room to customize both the interface and certain proprietary features.
This approach would align with Android's typical mobile strategy: Google defines the system's foundation, and manufacturers apply their own interface . In this case, One UI 9 would bring the aesthetics and many of the features already found on current Galaxy devices to the home screen, with menus, settings, and apps familiar to the user.
Planned timeline and Europe's role in the launch
The exact dates remain a mystery, but some timeframes can be inferred. Since the laptops are expected to ship with Android 17 pre-installed, the timeline points to the second half of 2026 or early 2027 , depending on when Google releases the stable versions of the system.
Android 17 and Aluminum OS are expected to be the stars of Google I/O in May 2026 , which would mark the starting point for manufacturers like Samsung to fine-tune their own developments. Once the software base is finalized, the company could then finalize the details of One UI 9 for laptops and the hardware for the various Galaxy Book ranges.
Some sources suggest a possible announcement from Samsung towards the end of 2026 , with the aim of releasing the first models shortly thereafter. Other, more conservative leaks place the market launch between the end of 2026 and the first part of 2027, which would allow more time to refine the user experience.
In terms of markets, it wouldn't be surprising if Europe and Spain were part of the first wave of launches , just as with the brand's flagship smartphones and tablets. The affordable and mid-range laptop segment is quite popular in European countries, and Samsung could leverage that user base of existing Galaxy mobile users to offer them a laptop with a very similar experience.
Microsoft's position in this whole scenario is questionable. The market share of Galaxy Books running Windows hasn't stood out against manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, or Dell , and Samsung might consider it more profitable to invest in its own ecosystem centered on Android and One UI rather than continue spreading its efforts across different platforms.
Samsung's strategic shift with these Galaxy Book laptops, featuring Android 17, One UI 9, and an enhanced DeX, represents a clear attempt to unify its ecosystem and compete more effectively against both Apple in the laptop segment and other traditional computer manufacturers. If the leaks are confirmed, the coming years could bring a new category of Android laptops where Samsung, in partnership with Google and Aluminum OS, plans to play a leading role.
