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Today — 22 February 2026Main stream

Samsung One UI 9 early leaks: AI features, browser redesign, new look, and more

21 February 2026 at 23:19

Samsung’s latest One UI version is One UI 8.5, which is currently under beta testing. Everyone is excited about One UI 8.5, but leaks have already started coming up for the next big update: One UI 9. The upcoming version of One UI will be based on Android 17 OS.

Almost everyone is still waiting for One UI 8.5. So, how come we are suddenly talking about One UI 9?

These leaks come from test firmware builds found online. So far, most of these leaks show small changes, but still give us a good idea of what might come to your Galaxy smartphone. Keep in mind that these are early leaks from February 2026, so things can change before the official release.

From what we know from past events, Samsung usually introduces major One UI updates with new foldable phones in the summer, so you can expect One UI 9 around July 2026 with the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8.

Now, before going into leak details, I have one important question to ask – when will One UI 9 come out?

Samsung One UI 8.5 is coming with the Galaxy S26 series in Feb 2026, and One UI 9 should follow in the second half of the year. Public beta testing might start around May 2026 for some flagships (highly likely, S26 Ultra will be first to test the One UI 9 beta version), with the stable version hitting new devices first. Thanks to the leaked software build for the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip8, we started hearing about One UI 9 for the first time. Let’s now talk about the leaked information.

Visual Changes:

The software update screen and welcome screen have new designs, per the leak. To be specific, the “One UI 9.0” text appears with a bold background that uses red and blue colors. In the current One UI 8.5, you get the blue and green tones.

You could get Android 17’s glassy effect. In addition, Google is adding background blur and transparent styles to system settings like notifications and quick settings. We could see these features coming in One UI 9.

Some floating pill-shaped bars (like in Quick Share) look more compact and rounded in the leaks, giving more space on the screen edges.

In One UI 9 leaks, Samsung has made a small but visible change to the Quick Share screen. Right now, in One UI 8.5, there’s a floating bar at the bottom that looks like a rounded pill. It has tabs like “Send” and “Receive,” and it floats over the content.

As per leak info, the pill-shaped bar is now smaller and more squeezed together (more compact). The corners are also more rounded, look smoother and softer. There’s now extra space on the sides and at the bottom of the screen.

All these looks simple redesign work. I think Samsung is making everything look cleaner and more polished.

Samsung Internet Browser:

Samsung Internet Browser leak is a major one. We could see a real upgrade in One UI 9. You might choose from new layout options:

  • Standard – the usual classic view.
  • Bottom – better for using the phone with one hand.
  • Compact – a new immersive mode that hides more of the interface for a cleaner look.

Let’s talk about layouts in detail. In Compact mode, the bottom bar groups things like search, tabs, and menu buttons. You will also get a nice fade animation; it disappears when you scroll down and comes back when you scroll up. Just to add, there’s a blur effect too.

An important point to discuss here is the new “Ask AI” button. This feature is powered by Perplexity AI, great for smart, context-based answers. It makes browsing smarter and faster. Here’s what you can do with Ask AI:

  • Get a quick summary of the page
  • Translate any part of the text
  • Have important parts read aloud to you
  • Get personal suggestions using your past browsing history

Galaxy AI with Now Nudge:

Samsung has been pushing Galaxy AI strongly in recent years. It has become a key part of every major Samsung update, and One UI 9 might take it further.

The Now Nudge is one interesting feature that we found out in these leaks. This smart AI tool watches what’s on your screen while you are using it. Then it quickly suggests helpful actions to finish tasks faster.

From the code in test builds, Now Nudge can assist with things like:

  • Booking rides or rentals
  • Checking flights
  • Handling government services
  • Getting location info
  • Looking up medical details
  • Managing phone services
  • Finding movie times
  • And more everyday stuff

The interesting point is that Samsung processes these suggestions on your phone (using its built-in AI chip) for better privacy; it won’t send your screen data to the cloud.

Right now, Now Nudge isn’t in the public One UI 8.5 beta (for Galaxy S25 series). But it looks like the full version might launch with One UI 9.

Other rumors and improvements:

  • Smoother performance
    • Android 17 has under-the-hood changes for better UI speed and responsiveness. One UI 9 should feel smoother overall.
  • Cross-device features
    • There are hints of better sync, like Do Not Disturb across phones and tablets, or a universal clipboard to copy-paste between devices.
  • App Lock
    • We might finally see a native app lock using Android 17’s built-in tools, so you can protect apps with a password or biometrics.
  • New hardware hints
    • Code mentions a “Wide” foldable, it looks like Samsung is planning a fresh device.

Not everything is leaked yet. We have not seen major overhauls to the home screen, lock screen, or camera apps.

Are you eligible for the One UI 9?

If you have a device like the Galaxy S24, S25, and S26 series, recent foldables, and some A-series models, you are eligible for the Android 17-based One UI 9 update. Older models (from around 2024 onward) should be eligible, but the exact list will come from Samsung later.

Here’s some basic information for you. The One UI 9 is still in early development, but the leaks give an exciting picture. Features like Ask AI and Now Nudge could make daily phone use quicker and more fun. Samsung often adds or removes things before the official launch. We will probably hear more as beta testing gets closer. If you are a Samsung fan, One UI 9 looks worth waiting for.

The post Samsung One UI 9 early leaks: AI features, browser redesign, new look, and more appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Current Samsung Software Update Status: How long will your Galaxy device get One UI updates?

19 February 2026 at 23:03

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, software updates play a pivotal role in enhancing user experience, security, and device longevity. Regular updates ensure your device remains protected against new security threats, improve performance, introduce new features, and maintain compatibility with the latest applications and services.

For Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, Samsung has committed to providing a certain number of major OS and One UI updates to keep them secure and running smoothly.

Samsung’s update policy varies based on the device series and model. Newer flagship devices like the Galaxy S and Z Fold series receive up to 7 years of software support, including both OS and security updates. Mid-range and budget devices might receive fewer updates, but still benefit from significant software enhancements.

This policy ensures that Galaxy users can enjoy their devices with the latest features and security measures for an extended period, making the investment in Samsung products more worthwhile.

Here’s a detailed look at the software update status for various Samsung Galaxy devices, including the pre-installed One UI version and the expected number of future One UI updates each model will receive:

Galaxy S-Series:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge January 2025 One UI 7.0/Android 15 7 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra January 2025 One UI 7.0/Android 15 7 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy S25+ January 2025 One UI 7.0 7 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy S25 January 2025 One UI 7.0 7 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra January 2024 One UI 6.0/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S24+ January 2024 One UI 6.0 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S24 January 2024 One UI 6.0 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE September 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra February 2023 One UI 5.1/Android 13 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S23+ February 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S23 February 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE October 2023 One UI 5.1/Android 13 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra February 2022 One UI 4.1/Android 12 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S22+ February 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S22 February 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra January 2021 One UI 3.1/Android 11 4 (Received All 4 Updates)
Samsung Galaxy S21+ January 2021 One UI 3.1 4 (Received All 4 Updates)
Samsung Galaxy S21 January 2021 One UI 3.1 4 (Received All 4 Updates)
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE January 2022 One UI 4.0/Android 12 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)

Galaxy Foldables:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 July 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 July 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE July 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 July 2024 One UI 6.1.1/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 July 2024 One UI 6.1.1 7 (Received One UI 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 July 2023 One UI 5.1.1/Android 13 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 July 2023 One UI 5.1.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 August 2022 One UI 4.1/Android 12 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 August 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 August 2021 One UI 3.1/Android 11 4 (Received All 4 Updates)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 August 2021 One UI 3.1 4 (Received All 4 Updates)

Galaxy A-Series:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G February 2026 One UI 8.0/Android 16 6
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G March 2025 One UI 7.0/Android 15 6 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G February 2025 One UI 7.0/Android 15 6 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G January 2025 One UI 7.0/Android 15 6 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G December 2024 One UI 7.0/Android 15 4 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A17 December 2024 One UI 7.0/Android 15 4 (Received One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G October 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 6 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A16 October 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A07 August 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A06 5G July 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A06 July 2024 One UI 6.1/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A55 March 2024 One UI 6.0 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A35 March 2024 One UI 6.0 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G December 2023 One UI 6.0/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G December 2023 One UI 6.0/Android 14 4 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A54 March 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A34 March 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G March 2022 One UI 4.1/Android 12 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A53 March 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy A33 March 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)

Galaxy M-Series:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy M55 April 2024 One UI 6.0 4
Samsung Galaxy M35 August 2023 One UI 5.1 4
Samsung Galaxy M54 April 2023 One UI 5.1 4
Samsung Galaxy M33 April 2022 One UI 4.1 4

Galaxy F-Series:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy F55 May 2024 One UI 6.0 4
Samsung Galaxy F15 March 2024 One UI 6.0 4
Samsung Galaxy F23 March 2022 One UI 4.1 4

Galaxy Tablets:

Model Launch Date Pre-installed One UI Total One UI Updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra September 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11+ September 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 September 2025 One UI 8.0/Android 16 7
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra September 2024 One UI 6.1.1/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ September 2024 One UI 6.1.1 7 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 September 2024 One UI 6.1.1 7 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE October 2024 One UI 6.1.1/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite November 2024 One UI 6.1.1/Android 14 7 (Received One UI 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra July 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ July 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 July 2023 One UI 5.1 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE October 2023 One UI 5.1/Android 13 4 (Received One UI 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra February 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ February 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 February 2022 One UI 4.1 4 (Received One UI 5, 6, 7, One UI 8)

The total number of One UI software updates is based on Samsung’s current policy at the time of the device’s launch. The Galaxy S24 series and newer flagships are set to receive 7 years of updates, including both OS and security updates, while earlier models from the last few years generally received up to 4 major Android OS updates.

How to Check for Updates

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Software update
  3. Tap Download and install
  4. Your device will check for available updates

Update Best Practices

  • Back up your data before major OS updates
  • Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data for large downloads
  • Ensure sufficient battery (at least 50%) or keep your device plugged in
  • Install at night to minimize disruption to your daily usage

Common Update Questions

Q: Will updates slow down my device?
A: No, Samsung optimizes One UI updates for each specific device model. Updates are designed to maintain or improve performance, not degrade it.

Q: What happens if I don’t update my device?
A: Skipping updates may expose your device to security vulnerabilities and prevent you from using the latest features and app compatibility improvements.

Q: Can I roll back to a previous version after updating?
A: Generally, no. Samsung doesn’t officially support downgrading to previous OS versions once updated.

One UI 8.5 (Current Major Update):

One UI 8.5 is Samsung’s latest major refinement on Android 16, focusing on usability improvements rather than major redesigns. Key expected features include smarter lock screen customizations, floating tabs for better multitasking, an updated Bixby assistant with enhanced AI capabilities, performance optimizations, additional Galaxy AI integrations, extra app protections, and smoother animations.

The One UI 8.5 beta program (now at Beta 5 globally, Beta 4 in some regions like India) is active only for the Galaxy S25 series and includes the February 2026 security patch.

Stable One UI 8.5 version coming with the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, at Galaxy Unpacked. Wider rollout to older eligible devices (starting with S25/S24 series) is expected from late March 2026, with mid-range and budget models following in phases through Q2 2026 or later.

One UI 9 (Android 17):

Early internal and testing work for One UI 9 (based on Android 17) has started on select recent flagships like the Galaxy Z Fold series. Public beta is anticipated around May 2026, with stable rollout expected later in 2026 (likely starting with new flagships).

Rollout Schedule Update:

  • One UI 8 stable: Fully completed by early 2026.
  • One UI 8.5 stable: Debuts February 25, 2026, with Galaxy S26 series; phased rollout to older devices from late March 2026 (premium models first, e.g., S25 in late March, others in April–June).
  • Security patches: February 2026 patch now available in One UI 8.5 betas; wider rollout ongoing for One UI 8 devices. The devices on One UI 8 are also receiving January/February 2026 Google Play system updates and security improvements.

Stay Connected

For the latest Samsung software update news and announcements, follow @thesammyfans on X. If you have a question, suggestion, or correction, you can reach me in DM on X.


This guide is updated as of February 20, 2025. Update policies are subject to change based on Samsung’s official announcements.

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Why Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Smart Privacy Display could change how you use your phone in public

18 February 2026 at 22:44

While everyone is busy obsessing over the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new camera sensors, there is one hardware change that I think is actually going to change how we use our phones in public. It’s called the Smart Privacy Display, and for anyone who spends their morning on a crowded train, it’s a total game-changer.

We have all been there. You are sitting in a cafe or stuck in an elevator, and you can practically feel the person next to you reading your private messages or looking at your bank balance. Usually, the only fix is to stick a cheap, plastic privacy film over your screen. But let’s be honest, those things are terrible. They dim your screen, ruin your viewing angles even when you are alone, and make a $1,300 premium phone look like a budget device from 2010.

Samsung’s approach is technically different because it’s built directly into the display hardware through a tech it is calling Flex Magic Pixel.

How it actually work? Unlike a third-party protector, this “smart” display can actually control how light leaves each pixel. If you are looking at the screen head-on, it looks perfect, no loss in color, brightness, or sharpness. But the moment someone tries to peek from an angle, the pixels shift the light, making the screen look totally black or hidden to them.

The most impressive part is that you can customize everything in this feature. You can set specific rules in the One UI settings to protect only the sensitive stuff. Or you only want it to trigger when a private notification pops up, or when you are typing in a one-time password (OTP).

Samsung even teased this recently with an official video of a girl reading a “spicy” book on the subway, she tapped a toggle called Zero-Peeking Privacy, and her nosy neighbor was totally blocked out.

In addition to these features, there’s even an Auto Privacy mode that uses your location to realize you are in a public spot, like a bus or a busy airport, and it automatically activates. Thanks to its integration into the glass, it doesn’t mess with your 2600-nit peak brightness like those third-party protectors do.

Samsung Privacy Display feature

Final Words:

I am currently using the S25 Ultra as my primary phone. I am doing everything on my phone, including banking, messages, emails, and even reading books.

When you are in a public place like a small restaurant, people peeking at the screen is a real issue. This privacy feature gives real peace of mind without extra accessories. This makes me happy because it’s a new idea and Samsung is the one showing everyone how to do it.

Rumor has it that even Apple is looking at similar tech for its future devices. If big companies are already getting in line, that shows how game-changing it could be.

The S26 Ultra will obviously have the usual speed and camera boosts, but for those of us who travel or just value our privacy, this privacy screen tech is probably the most practical reason to upgrade this year.

What do you think? Would the Smart Privacy Display make you feel more comfortable using your phone anywhere? Or is it a nice extra but not a must-have? Drop your thoughts on our X handle @thesammyfans, love to hear from the Samsung community! Stay tuned for the full reveal at Galaxy Unpacked soon. The future of phone privacy looks brighter (and more private) than ever. Sorry Apple!

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Google Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop on Pixel phones, full rollout over the next few days

18 February 2026 at 20:44

I am so over being the only Android guy in the room. Whenever my friends want to share photos from a trip, I usually end up getting some blurry, compressed version over WhatsApp or a Google Drive link that nobody ever wants. It’s basically been a decade of feeling like a second-class tech citizen.

But in the February 2026 update, Google changed everything for the Pixel 9 series users. Google has now enabled the Quick Share share feature to transfer photos using AirDrop on iPhone.

To use this feature, just hit the share button, tap on Quick Share, and your iPhone will appear right away. On iPhone screen, it looked just like a normal AirDrop, and just tap “Accept”. Five seconds later, you will have the full 4K video. No apps, no links, no drama.

Is there a catch? A small one. You still have to tell the iPhone user to turn on “Everyone for 10 minutes” because Apple is still being Apple about security. Also, if you are using a Pixel 9a, you are out of luck for now since this update is only for the main Pixel 9 series.

Honestly, it is not 100% perfect, and you have to stay pretty close for the Bluetooth to stay connected. But it’s the biggest win I have had with this phone in a long time. If you have a Pixel 9, go tap on that update button in your settings right now. It’s a total game changer.

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