Samsung has officially kicked off the One UI 9 beta program this month, bringing the first taste of Android 17 to Galaxy owners. The update brings smarter features, better customization, improved security, and smoother performance across Galaxy devices.

The beta program is still in its early stages, so expect some bugs and ongoing improvements in future builds.

One UI 9 Beta Program

The One UI 9 beta program launched quickly after internal testing. It is currently available via the Samsung Members app for eligible S26 users in supported regions.

Multiple beta builds have been released so far: Beta 1 (May 13), Beta 2 (May 26), and Beta 3 (June 16). The public beta remains focused on the S26 series in the same supported countries. However, internal testing has expanded significantly to many more devices (S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, various A-series like A56/A57/A35/A25, and tablets).

According to early feedback, there’s a nicer Quick Panel design, improved Notes and DeX, accessibility tweaks, and stronger security features. You can expect more beta builds over the next few months as Samsung refines Android 17 features before the stable release.

For comparison, the One UI 8 beta program had 7 builds for the Galaxy S25 series, while One UI 8.5 went through a longer testing phase with around 9 to 10 beta builds.

Samsung One UI 9 Release Date

The One UI 9 beta program started on May 13, 2026, for the Galaxy S26 series. The stable One UI 9 rollout is expected in July 2026, starting with the new foldables. The global expansion for flagship devices is likely to take place between July and August 2026. Older flagships and mid-range devices should get the update from August to December 2026.

• Beta started: May 13, 2026 (Galaxy S26 series).
• Stable rollout expected: July 2026 (starting with new foldables).
• Global expansion for flagships: Likely July-August 2026.
• Older flagships and mid-range devices: August-December 2026.

Note: Samsung usually speeds up the schedule once testing goes well, so some dates could move forward.

Expected Stable One UI 9 Rollout Timeline

July 2026:

• Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Flip8, and new foldables (launch devices).

August–September 2026:

• Galaxy S26 series (stable).
• Galaxy S25 series.
• Galaxy S24 series.
• Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7.

October–December 2026:

• Galaxy S23 series and older flagships.
• Mid-range A-series (A56, A36, etc.).
• Galaxy Tab models.

Note: Regional availability will vary, with Korea and Europe often getting updates first.

Samsung One UI 9 Eligible Devices (Expected List)

Samsung hasn’t published the full official list yet, but based on past patterns and current testing, here’s who should get One UI 9:

Galaxy S Series:

• S26 Edge / S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra (beta now)
• S25 series
• S24 series
• S23 series (likely final major OS update)

Galaxy Z Series:

• Z Fold8 / Z Flip8 (launch with One UI 9)
• Z Fold7 / Z Flip7
• Z Fold6 / Z Flip6 (expected)

Galaxy Tab Series:

• Tab S11 series and newer
• Tab S10 series
• Tab S9 series

Galaxy A Series:

• A56, A36, A55, A35 and select newer mid-range models
• Some budget models may get it later or as a lighter version.

Older devices like the S22 series and Z Fold4 are now on security-only updates and are not expected to receive One UI 9.

What to Expect from One UI 9

According to testing results, the One UI 9 focuses on:

• Enhanced Galaxy AI tools
• Better personalization and customization
• Improved multitasking and DeX
• Stronger privacy and security features from Android 17
• Smoother animations and performance

These are still early days for One UI 9. Things can change as the beta progresses and Samsung shares more details. I will keep an eye on the latest developments and update this article as new information comes in.

Tip: If you own a Galaxy S26 and are in a supported country, check the Samsung Members app now to sign up for the beta. Just remember, betas can have issues, so back up your data first.

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Samsung is no longer waiting for Apple to define the next chapter of foldable phones. It is moving first. In recently shared teaser videos, Samsung showed a long chocolate bar being broken into a shorter, wider shape.

The message is clear: the Galaxy Z Fold8 series is getting a big design change. For the first time, Samsung is releasing two different foldables at once, one built to take on Apple’s upcoming foldable.

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 comes with a new “passport-style” form factor. The new foldable is shorter and wider than previous Folds, with a 5.4-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner display that uses a near 4:3 aspect ratio. More like a small tablet when open, good for watching videos and multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is keeping the tall, narrow design but adds premium specs. Samsung is now offering a choice: the new wider shape for broader appeal, and the traditional Fold for existing fans.

This wider model looks very similar to Apple’s first foldable, which is expected to have close dimensions and a similar screen ratio. Samsung wants to set the standard before Apple enters the market and shapes what people expect from a foldable phone.

The reason is clear. Foldable sales are growing, but buyers are shifting toward more expensive models. Average prices are going up, and high-end phones now make up a larger part of the market. Samsung needs to protect its lead as Apple brings its strong ecosystem and brand power into the category.

The Fold8 series is expected to start around $2,200, with the Ultra models going even higher. Apple’s foldable will likely cost about the same. Both companies are counting on premium buyers to pay more for the new design, even as parts get more expensive.

Samsung’s two-model plan is a smart move. It gives people more choices and directly challenges Apple’s expected design. But real-world performance still matters. Hinge quality, software, and everyday reliability have always been Samsung’s biggest tests in foldables.

One small suggestion for buyers: you should wait for hands-on reviews of the wider model. It looks good on paper, but how it feels in your pocket and in daily use will matter most. This feels like the real turning point for foldables.

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