Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S26 series with the stable One UI 8.5 software update. The latest One UI update brought a host of new features and quality-of-life improvements, like a fully customisable Quick Settings panel, an improved power saving mode, notification summaries and more. Now, it appears that the brand has already started testing One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 series, starting with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
One UI 9.0 beta for Galaxy S26 series spotted
The very first Android 17-based One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 series has been spotted on the Samsung servers, pointing to the imminent start of testing. First discovered by Tarun Vats, the global variant of the Galaxy S26 Ultra (SM-S948B) is seen running the latest update.
It has a download size of 2.6 GB and screenshots from SamMobile's Max Jambor confirm that the firmware is actively booting and running on the flagship smartphone. While there's no changelog to be seen, the screenshots do reveal the One UI 9.0's welcome splash screen.
To reiterate, this One UI 9.0 update is based on Android 17, which Google recently released the second beta of. While there aren't any major changes in the core system, Android 17 is soon expected to bring split notifications, upgrades to Advanced Protection Mode and more.
While exciting, the first official Beta release could arrive in a few months. The stable release is months away, as Samsung typically releases its odd software release alongside its next-generation foldables. Therefore, we may see One UI 9 debut in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8 and the rumoured Galaxy wide foldable in mid-2026.
We expect Samsung to officially open its doors to the Beta program around May 2026. Until then, stay tuned.
