With Android 17 Beta 1 officially released on February 13, 2026, the spotlight has now shifted toward Samsung’s next major software leap — One UI 9.

While Samsung is still wrapping up the One UI 8.5 rollout across eligible Galaxy devices, internal test servers are already revealing early development builds of One UI 9. This confirms one thing: Samsung is moving fast.

Samsung One UI 9 Release Date, Beta Timeline and Eligible Galaxy Devices – Full Breakdown

For Galaxy users, this is more than just another update cycle — it marks the next phase of AI-powered Android experiences, deeper system optimisation, and long-term update support.

Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Android 17 Beta 1 Is Out – What It Means for Samsung Users

The release of Android 17 Beta 1 signals the beginning of the OEM adaptation phase. As always, Google pushes its beta early in the year, and major manufacturers like Samsung begin integrating their custom skins and ecosystem features.

Samsung does not simply layer a theme over Android — One UI is deeply integrated with:

• Galaxy AI services

• Samsung Knox security

• Device-specific hardware optimisations

• Foldable UX enhancements

• S Pen customisations

That’s why One UI development takes months after Google’s initial beta.

Now that Android 17 testing is live, One UI 9 is officially in motion.

When Will One UI 9 Launch?

Based on Samsung’s historical timeline and internal server activity, here’s what we expect:

Public Beta: May 2026 (Rumoured)

Samsung may open the One UI 9 beta program as early as May 2026 for select flagship models.

Official Launch: July 2026

The stable build is expected to debut alongside:

• Galaxy Z Fold 8

• Galaxy Z Flip 8

Samsung typically launches its foldables in July, and new foldables almost always ship with the latest One UI version out of the box.

If history repeats itself, One UI 9 will be officially unveiled at the same launch event.

Which Devices Will Get One UI 9?

The biggest question every year:
“Will my Galaxy phone receive the update?”

While Samsung has not released an official list yet, we can estimate eligibility based on its seven-year update commitment for flagship devices.

Confirmed Safe Zone – 2024–2026 Flagships

These devices are already undergoing internal Android 17 testing:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Galaxy S25

• Galaxy S24

The upcoming Galaxy S26 series is expected to be the first to enter the One UI 9 beta program this May.

Both the S25 and S24 series are comfortably within their promised OS cycle, making them guaranteed recipients.

Foldable Family – High Priority

Samsung’s foldables are treated like premium flagships, and internal testing has already surfaced on:

• Galaxy Z Fold 7

• Galaxy Z Flip 7

The upcoming Fold 8 and Flip 8 will likely launch with One UI 9 pre-installed.

There are also rumours about a wider-screen foldable model launching in 2026, possibly branded as a “Wide Fold,” though nothing is official yet.

Tablets – Premium Tab Line Is Safe

Samsung’s premium tablet lineup has moved into the same long-term support category as S-series phones.

Devices expected to receive One UI 9:

• Galaxy Tab S10

• Galaxy Tab S11

These tablets are now part of Samsung’s high-priority update ecosystem.

Mid-Range Galaxy A-Series – Who’s In?

Mid-range eligibility is always slightly less predictable.

Strong candidates include:

• Galaxy A56

• Galaxy A36

These models are likely to receive the stable build toward the end of 2026.

However, feature availability may vary — especially AI-driven tools that require stronger hardware.

The Surprising Entry – Galaxy S23 Series

The Galaxy S23 series might receive One UI 9 as its fourth and final major OS upgrade.

If you’re still using an S23 device, you likely have one major Android year left before entering extended security-only support.

That’s impressive longevity by Android standards.

Devices That May Stop at One UI 8.5

Now for the difficult part.

As of early February 2026, Samsung has moved the following devices to a quarterly security update schedule:

• Galaxy S22

• Galaxy Z Fold 4

• Galaxy S21 FE

• Galaxy A53

These models are widely expected to stop at One UI 8.5.

That doesn’t mean they become obsolete — they will continue receiving security patches. But they may miss Android 17’s deeper system-level enhancements.

What New Features Could One UI 9 Bring?

While Samsung hasn’t confirmed features yet, Android 17 introduces major upgrades that One UI 9 will likely expand on.

1. “Ask AI” Browser Integration

Smarter AI search, context-based summarisation, and productivity enhancements inside Samsung Internet.

2. System-Level Resizability

Improved app scaling for foldables and tablets — better multitasking, floating window refinements.

3. AI Personalisation Engine

More adaptive battery management, dynamic theme intelligence, predictive suggestions.

4. Enhanced Galaxy AI Processing

Some features may remain exclusive to newer chipsets like the S26 Ultra.

5. Foldable UX Improvements

Optimised task continuity, smarter split-screen layouts, better drag-and-drop functionality.

Why the Update Policy Matters More Than Ever

Samsung’s seven-year OS commitment has changed the Android ecosystem.

Unlike older cycles where devices got 2–3 major updates, recent Galaxy flagships are now promised:

• 7 years of OS updates

• 7 years of security patches

That means users buying a Galaxy S26 Ultra today could theoretically receive updates until 2033.

This long-term commitment makes upgrade timing more strategic than ever.

Should You Upgrade for One UI 9?

If your device is confirmed eligible (S24, S25, S26, Fold 7+), there’s no immediate need to upgrade.

However, if you’re using:

• Galaxy S22

• Galaxy S21 FE

• Galaxy A53

You may want to consider upgrading — especially if AI features and Android 17 enhancements matter to you.

For power users, AI productivity tools alone might justify moving to the S26 series.

Beta Program – How to Join

When the beta launches (likely May 2026), eligible users can register through:

• Samsung Members app

• Select regions (usually Korea, US, UK, Germany, India)

• Limited slots initially

Keep checking Samsung Members for announcements this spring.

Important Disclaimer

This article is not an official Samsung confirmation of One UI 9 eligibility.

As of February 2026:

• Samsung has not published an official One UI 9 device list.

• Eligibility depends on each device’s remaining OS cycle.

• Regional and carrier variations may apply.

• Some Galaxy AI features may remain limited to newer hardware.

Always wait for Samsung’s official newsroom or Samsung Members announcement before making any purchase decision.

Do not upgrade your device solely based on leaks, rumours, or early server findings.

Final Thoughts

The release of Android 17 Beta 1 has officially started the One UI 9 countdown.

With a likely July 2026 launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, and a possible May beta for the S26 series, Samsung users have an exciting few months ahead.

The real question isn’t whether One UI 9 is coming — it’s whether your Galaxy device is ready for it.

If you’re using a recent flagship, you’re safe.
If you’re holding onto a 2022 model, this may be your final year of major upgrades.

As always, we’ll update this page once Samsung publishes its official roadmap.

Stay tuned. 🚀