Samsung has only just started rolling out One UI 8.5, but the company is already preparing its next major system update. A new One UI 9 shell has appeared in test firmware, and based on the first builds, it’s clear that work on it is progressing actively. This isn’t a minor patch — it’s a full-fledged new version of the system that should replace the current Samsung update on most modern Galaxy smartphones.
The update is coming soon. Image: sammobile
One UI 9 Update Overview
The early test version shows that developers haven’t drastically changed the system’s appearance. The interface remains recognizable, but certain elements have been made larger and more convenient for one-handed use. Samsung has been using this approach for several years, gradually improving the shell without radical changes.
When it comes to what’s new in One UI 9, the changes so far mainly involve minor interface refinements. For example, volume and brightness sliders have become wider, and some settings options have been moved to more logical sections.
Screenshots of the One UI 9 test build
At the same time, the current One UI 9 update is still considered early, so some features are unstable. There are bugs within the system, and some elements may change before the final release.
New One UI 9 Features
According to leaks, Samsung is focusing not only on appearance but also on the convenience of working with different devices. The company continues to develop the Galaxy ecosystem, so many changes are related to synchronization and gaming capabilities.
If preliminary data is to be believed, among the One UI 9 features will be new tools for working with controllers, improved connectivity between devices, and additional security settings. Some capabilities will come thanks to the new version of Android that serves as the firmware’s foundation:
- gamepad button remapping;
- physical controller support in more games;
- a unified sound toggle for all Galaxy devices;
- shared clipboard between smartphone and tablet;
- global app lock;
- new Samsung browser features;
- improvements for foldable smartphones;
- expanded security settings;
- refined interface scaling.
If all of this makes it into the final version, the new Samsung One UI 9 update won’t be the most visually striking, but it will be noticeably more convenient for everyday use.
Who Will Get One UI 9
A preliminary list of One UI 9 devices has already appeared online. It’s based on Samsung’s support policy and shows which models have the best chances of receiving the new system:
- Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra;
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 FE;
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE;
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE;
- Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7;
- Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6;
- Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5;
- Galaxy A56, A55, A54;
- Galaxy A36, A35, A34;
- Galaxy A26, A25, A24;
- Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S10, Tab S9;
- Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Tab S9 FE.
This list is still considered preliminary, but Samsung usually follows a similar support scheme. If a smartphone was released recently or belongs to the flagship series, the chance of getting One UI 9 is quite high. At the same time, each new One UI update becomes the last for some older models that are gradually dropped from support.
When Will One UI 9 Be Released
Exact dates haven’t been announced yet, but leaks already give a rough timeline. Internal testing started early, so the One UI 9 release date is expected sooner than some previous versions of the shell.
Users are already actively testing One UI 9. Image: techradar.com
First, a beta version for flagships should appear, then several months of refinement will follow, and only after that will the mass rollout of One UI 9 begin for regular users.
Samsung usually updates newer smartphones first, then gradually sends the firmware to other models. So even if a device is on the list, waiting for the One UI 9 update can take quite a while, especially if it’s not a flagship.
