Samsung One UI 9 Release Date, New Features and Eligible Devices List
Samsung is preparing its next major software release, One UI 9, and the update is shaping up to be one of the company’s broadest Android upgrades yet. Built on Android 17, the new interface is expected to reach flagship Galaxy phones, foldables, tablets and a wide selection of mid-range devices over the coming months.
The company has already opened the One UI 9 beta programme for the Galaxy S26 series, giving selected users an early look at Samsung’s next-generation software. Samsung officially announced the beta on May 12, initially targeting Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in supported markets.
Samsung’s newest foldables are expected to play a central role in the stable rollout. Reports suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be among the first devices to ship with One UI 9 preinstalled, with the wider release then expanding to recent Galaxy S, Z, A and Tab models. This timetable remains subject to Samsung’s regional rollout plans and has not yet been fully confirmed device by device.
One UI 9 is expected to focus less on a radical visual overhaul and more on usability improvements. Early beta information points to expanded creative options in Samsung Notes, including decorative tape elements and additional pen-line styles, as well as direct Creative Studio access from the Contacts app for personalised profile cards.
Samsung is also reportedly refining the Quick Panel, with more independent control over brightness, sound and media settings. Accessibility is another key area: expected changes include smoother Mouse Keys controls, a Text Spotlight feature designed to make reading easier, and a more unified TalkBack package combining Samsung and Google capabilities.
Security improvements are likely to form another important part of the update. One UI 9 is expected to strengthen protections against high-risk apps through automatically updated security policies, although Samsung may reserve some AI-driven features for newer devices with more capable hardware.
The likely eligibility list includes Galaxy S23-series phones and newer, beginning with the Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra and S23 FE, as well as the Galaxy S24, S25 and S26 families. Recent foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and newer models, plus the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and newer generations, are also expected to receive the update.
Samsung’s supported-device plans appear to extend well beyond its premium models. The update is expected to cover many Galaxy A-series devices, including recent A5x, A3x, A2x and A1x models, alongside selected Galaxy Tab S tablets, rugged devices and certain Galaxy M and F series phones. Owners of older flagships, such as the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Z Flip 4, are not expected to receive One UI 9.
For Galaxy S23 owners, One UI 9 may be particularly significant. The Android 17-based release is widely expected to be the final major Android-version upgrade for that generation, making it an important update even if some advanced features remain exclusive to newer models.
As with every major Samsung software release, rollout speed will depend on market, carrier and model. Beta availability does not guarantee an immediate stable update, but Samsung’s early testing suggests that the company is already laying the groundwork for a wider One UI 9 release later in 2026.
