Samsung has officially kicked off the One UI 9 beta programme for the Galaxy S26 lineup, giving users an early look at the company's next-generation skin based on Android 17. The beta rollout comes just days after the first One UI 9 beta build surfaced online.
All One UI 9 Beta Features Announced
According to Samsung, One UI 9 focuses heavily on bringing AI-powered customisations, accessibility improvements, stronger privacy protections and expanded creative tools. The company says the update is designed to make the Galaxy experience "more intuitive and personalised" while also laying the groundwork for more advanced Galaxy AI features expected later this year.
One of the notable additions in One UI 9 beta is the revamped Samsung Notes experience, which now includes decorative tapes, additional pen styles and more creative editing options. Samsung has also updated the Contacts app with direct integration for Creative Studio, allowing users to build personalised profile cards without jumping between apps.
Samsung has also redesigned parts of the Quick Panel in One UI 9. Users now get more granular controls over layout customisation, with brightness, sound and media controls independently adjustable. The panel also introduces additional sizing options for better personalisation.
Accessibility receives several upgrades as well. One UI 9 introduces adjustable Mouse Key speed for smoother cursor control, while Samsung and Google's previously separate TalkBack features are now merged into a single integrated package. Samsung has additionally introduced a new Text Spotlight feature that enlarges or highlights selected text inside a floating window to improve readability.
On the security front, Samsung says One UI 9 improves protection against suspicious and potentially harmful apps. When the system detects a high-risk app, users are warned, app installation or execution can be blocked automatically and the software may recommend deleting the app through updated security policies.
While previously reported features like a new One UI 9 media player are most likely not a part of this beta, since One UI 9.5 leaked recently, we may get to see more customisation options with that update.
Samsung has also confirmed that the complete One UI 9 experience, including new Galaxy AI capabilities, will debut on upcoming Galaxy S27 flagships later this year.
The One UI 9 beta announcement comes shortly after Samsung expanded the stable One UI 8.5 update to older Galaxy phones.
Users with an eligible Samsung Galaxy S26 can enrol in the One UI 9 beta programme through the Samsung Members app. Samsung recommends backing up your data before installing the beta software, since pre-release builds may contain bugs or stability issues.
Once users register for the beta programme via the Samsung Members app, they can simply head to Settings -> Software update -> Download and install to get the beta update.
The update is currently limited to the Galaxy S26 lineup, but expect more One UI 9 eligible devices to get the beta update gradually. So, stay tuned.
